TIME OUT FOR THE IRRELEVANT

Just Because Inquiring Minds Want To Know

Yes they will, maybe even in Week 1 at home against their archrivals, the Steelers, but more likely somewhere else in the first half of a schedule that isn't exactly daunting.

We understand that every matchup for a club that is 1-31 under coach Hue Jackson is challenging. Still, the Browns added enough talent to win a handful of games or more — and that's not even considering what top overall draft pick Baker Mayfield might provide at quarterback if he gets on the field. last year. Look for that first loss to come early this season, perhaps in the opener at Minnesota, a major challenge for the rebuilding 49ers.

Visits to the Chiefs and Chargers also are on the September docket.

So thoughts of Garoppolo remaining unblemished are irrelevant.

That doesn't mean he won't improve; he might do so significantly.

"I don't know how much of a jump you're going to see," coach Kyle Shanahan said. "When you talk about expectations, I don't know how you're going to live up to that. He did very good last year. If we had 400 yards a game, does that mean we need to have 600 the first five games to improve? I don't know what the numbers will be, but we will be a better offense."

It might be tempting for Gruden once he sees how much pro football locker rooms and player approaches have changed since he previously worked a sideline 10 years ago. Still, to suggest a guy with his enthusiasm, intelligence and creative streak is going to sour on coaching so soon is ... irrelevant.

Gruden could be hard-pressed to win much this season with Oakland, but he'll put his stamp on the Raiders, and they will be better for it down the line.

Let's see: There are 31 homes for the teams (the Jets and Giants share MetLife Stadium), plus Azteca in Mexico City, Wembley and the new Tottenham Stadium in London. So 34 works. Thinking the commissioner won't get booed in any of them? Irrelevant.