BEREA, Ohio — "Let's Be Clear" is all about transparency. WKYC has a clear, mobile newsroom that we're taking across the state to talk to those making headlines in Ohio. Whether you agree with the guest, disagree, or are a fan of them, we know you have questions for them.
All eyes are on Berea.
The Cleveland Browns began training camp last week, marking an exciting start to a high-stakes season. The team has a new head coach in Freddie Kitchens and a shiny new receiver in Odell Beckham Jr. It's also Baker Mayfield's second season, his first as the No. 1 starting quarterback after beginning last season behind Tyrod Taylor.
WKYC's Jim Dovonan, who is also the voice of the Cleveland Browns, sat down with Browns General Manager John Dorsey for a Let's Be Clear interview Monday.
You can watch the full interview again in the player above.
Now 10 days into training camp, Dorsey said the team is starting to come together as one. He said he's looking forward to the first preseason game this Thursday, as he and his staff will begin evaluating players to finalize the 53-man roster.
"The one thing I like about this group and this locker room is they genuinely like each other, they like being around each other, and that's good for team chemistry," Dorsey said.
Dorsey believes that chemistry began last season, as the team found success in winning five of its last seven games for a 7-8-1 record, its best since 2007.
"They remember the end there, and now they have higher expectations, and rightfully so. They should have higher expectations," he said. "At the end of the day now, you have a unified group that's going to set those goals for themselves and set those standards high."
Mayfield faces arguably the most pressure heading into the season in his second year at quarterback. Dorsey said he's looking for improvement in Mayfield's intuition this year, adding that the quarterback is already mature well beyond his 24 years.
"That quarterback position is really hard to master, but I've always said he does such a great job of understanding certain concepts of football, because I believe he is mature beyond his age, and that helps him of understanding what's required. Now he is just a sponge when it comes to learning information," Dorsey said.
Now in his second season atop the Browns' organization, Dorsey says he's excited for the team he's built, and that its play on the field will prove it's for real.
"It's those guys on the field, that's who the Cleveland Browns really are," Dorsey said. "Now they have to go show the organization, the greater Cleveland area they're real, and there's only one way of being real, and that's actions and not words."