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Checking in with longtime beat writer Tony Grossi, who covers the Cleveland Browns for ESPNCleveland.com and 850 WKNR SportsOhio:

1. You’ve covered the Browns for a long time. What was your first impression of Baker Mayfield when he was drafted, and what about now after his performance against the Jets?

Grossi: Honestly, I was deeply disappointed they drafted him. I was on record before and after the draft. I wanted Sam Darnold. I’m a sucker for size at that position, especially in the AFC North and this climate. Having said that, I gladly ate crow after the Jets game. Mayfield changed the culture of the Browns in one night. The energy he brought to the team, the stadium, the city was undeniable. Mayfield’s quick release and pinpoint accuracy are Drew Brees-like. It’s his team now and the future is exciting. He may be special.

2. Hue Jackson did some legitimately good things with the Raiders in terms of upgrading their offense. In retrospect, his 8-8 record as a head coach and nearly making the playoffs seems pretty impressive. But how on earth is he still in charge at 2-33-1 with the Browns?

Grossi: The owners — Jimmy and Dee Haslam — genuinely like Jackson and, I believe, felt guilty that they saddled Hue with an amateur football front office his first two years. Plus, I don’t think it mattered to new GM John Dorsey to inherit Jackson his first season because he knew he had his hands full rebuilding football operations and the roster. I don’t know what the number of wins is for Jackson to return for a fourth year. But it’s possible he can reach it with Mayfield now at the controls

3. What did you think of the HBO `Hard Knocks’ presentation this year on the Browns? It was interesting, but didn’t seem overly flattering. Was there anything to glean from the series that you found pertinent to this season?

Grossi: HBO’s over-riding theme was featuring a few players on the roster bubble and following their travails through camp. Unfortunately for the show, all their featured players were cut. I thought the series failed badly to delve into the news items dropped in its lap — Antonio Callaway’s citation for marijuana possession, Mychal Kendricks’ felony indictment for insider trading, Josh Gordon’s complicated return from further rehab, even Corey Coleman’s trade. I did think the most profound scenes pertinent to the season involved Todd Haley’s blunt assessments of Hue Jackson’s “days off” philosophy, of the team’s bad practice habits, and some lollygagging by receivers. And let me tell you, there were several characters who played to the cameras.

4. First impressions are cornerback Denzel Ward looks legit. Myles Garrett too from last season. If the Browns assessed Mayfield correctly, is this finally the turning point for the franchise since being the `expansion’ Browns?

Grossi: It is. Garrett will be a defensive player of year candidate. Ward has made wow plays in every game. But Mayfield taking over was the necessary step to turning the corner. He makes them relevant, even though the defense was becoming a force from Game 1.

5. What would be the one area of this game the Browns should be concerned about in terms of matchups and strategy?

Grossi: I haven’t had this level of confidence in a Browns team in over a decade. The only thing that bothers me is their special teams. They are capable of screwing up any game.

Follow Tony Grossi on Twitter: @TonyGrossi