Editor's note: Tony Grossi covers the Cleveland Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR.

Takeaways from Day 1 of Browns training camp …

1. Get it over with: Coach Hue Jackson’s decision to name his starting quarterback before the Aug. 12 preseason opener is agreeable to the one “competitor” who probably suffers – Josh McCown. “I think it gives us a sense of direction and the way he’s headed,” said the 14-year NFL veteran. “The team and everyone can get behind the guy and move forward. I think we’re all supportive of that. I just think sometimes if it drags out and lingers it can be a distraction. You name a guy and move forward, and everybody gets behind that guy. I trust his leadership on that. I’m in favor of that. It is what’s best for the team. He’ll make a wise decision and we’ll move forward.” There are 11 practices before the Aug. 12 game, and it figures to be almost impossible for McCown to win the job without game action. McCown does not agree that naming a starter before a true competition sends a mixed message to the locker room. “It can be, but remember we did have spring [practices],” he said. “I know it’s not a game. But we had spring and we’re going to have these practices right now. I understand. It’s really kind of the side of the fence you fall on and how you look at it. From my experience in going through quarterback competitions, I believe the earlier the better. I think it helps. I’m thankful that the coach is going to take that approach. I think we trust the coach’s decision.”

2. Haden close: It was a mild surprise to see cornerback Joe Haden running (and passing) the conditioning test on Thursday. It’s a good sign that Haden may in fact recover fully from ankle surgery in March and join full team practice in time to play in a preseason game or two. So far, Haden has vowed only to be ready for the start of the season Sept. 11. He has not committed to a sooner timetable, but it looks like he’s on the fast track. He said he planned to run only 10 40-yard dashes in the conditioning test, and that turned out to be the extent of the total test. Haden said there’s nobody on the team more anxious to practice than him – including receiver Josh Gordon, who has just been lifted from a one-year NFL suspension. “He’s a close second,” Haden said. “But I can’t wait to get out there. It’s kind of a ‘what have you done for me lately?’ league. You kind of see that when it was a very bad season for me last year. I had high expectations and I didn’t live up to them. So I’m ready to get out there and prove I’m still one of the best corners in the league.” As for Gordon, to whom Haden always refers as J.G., Haden said he’s “super excited” to not let this opportunity pass him by. Nobody on the team knows Gordon better than Haden, so I asked him if he truly felt Gordon can not slip and stay eligible this time. “That’s on J.G.,” Haden replied. “We’re gonna do everything we can to help him. I feel like, in his mental … if you’re not, that’s tough. But I would definitely think so.”

3. A palace: After touring the extensive renovations of the Browns’ facility, it’s hard to imagine the players needing any more resources than are now in place. More than 25,000 square feet was added to the facility, and an additional 60,000 square feet of existing space was renovated. Much of the renovation was in player amenities, such new training and medical rooms, including a 5,000 square foot natatorium and a therapy pool with an underwater treadmill, a spacious, opulent locker room and player lounge and redesigned weight room. Trainer Joe Sheehan said he believes the renovations, specifically in the training area, put the Browns’ facility at the top in the NFL. “When you go in there and you have the resources to be able to recover and train the right way, it just adds to the statement of belief and hope that the Haslams have given us, and I just believe that it’s going to help us get to the next level and help us progress as a team even if it’s in those little ways, where the off the field stuff,” said linebacker Paul Kruger. It bears noting that the estimated $15 million cost was met by the city of Berea in exchange for an extended lease that binds the Browns to the facility through 2040, with a team opt-out clause extended from 2020 to 2028.

(Check back for more takeaways later in the day.)