TITANS AT BROWNS

When: 1 p.m., Oct, 22 Where: FirstEnergy Stadium Records: Titans 2-3, Browns 0-6 TV: WOIO; Radio: WKRK-FM 92.3, WNCX-FM 98.5, WKNR-AM 850

It masks the bigger issue, namely, would there even be a debate if the Browns had drafted Carson Wentz last year or Deshaun Watson in 2017? The Browns could have had either quarterback, but they traded the second pick last year so the Eagles could draft Wentz and the 12th pick this year so the Texans could draft Watson.

“There were other quarterbacks obviously that we were into, too,” Jackson said, referring to not taking Watson. “I don’t want to go into what the thinking was on draft day or any of that because I don’t think any of that matters. He’s not on our football team. He plays for the Houston Texans. We made the decision to take DeShone Kizer. I think that’s the end of that discussion.”

A reporter followed that answer by telling Jackson the

decision to pass on Wentz and Watson “brings into question how good this organization is at evaluating quarterbacks.”

“I hear what you’re saying and I respect what you are saying,” Jackson said. “At the same time, we make decisions for our football team and where we are. I think that’s what’s important. We all come together and make decisions with what we think is best for our organization, and that’s where we are.”

Jackson’s decision on whom to start against the Titans boils down to determining whether Kizer spending one Sunday on the sideline was the learning experience Jackson wanted it to be. Once again, he is saying winning is a priority.

“If I still thought that (Hogan) would give us the best chance to be successful, and if I looked at the tape and thought some of the issues that he had weren’t selfinflicted, then that would be the reason. I’m in the middle of doing all that and working

through all that.”

If Hogan’s shoelaces were tied together he couldn’t have stumbled more than he did in the first and maybe only start of his career. He threw three interceptions, one of which was returned 82 yards for a touchdown by Texans defensive back Jonathan Joseph, fumbled (the Browns recovered), was sacked four times and was called for intentional grounding in the end zone resulting in a Texans safety.

Jackson said he might go back to Kizer simply because the Browns need to evaluate him to determine whether the rookie really can be the quarterback of the future. Kizer has done nothing to justify that faith so far — 0-5 as a starter, 11 turnovers and only 61 completions in 129 attempts since completing 20 of 30 against the Steelers in the opener.

“I’ve gone on record saying it — he will be a huge part of the future here and that will definitely go into my thought

process here in the next several hours,” Jackson said. “It’s about what’s best for all involved, what’s best for the offensive football team. First and foremost, who can get the job done and then what’s best for us as an organization as we continue to move forward.”

Cody Kessler, 0-8 as a starter last year, is not being considered for the starting job, Jackson said.

Reach Schudel at JSchudel@News-Herald. com. On Twitter: @jsproinsider