There's a lot work left to be done in Berea.
Hue Jackson didn't shy away from that dynamic Friday night inside the bowels of Lambeau Field following a 17-11 loss to Green Bay in which the Browns were unable to overcome miscues and mistakes.
"It's good to get out and get in the game against a different opponent, but it kind of gave us an idea of where we are," Jackson said, "and we have to get better and we need to get better in a lot of different areas and I think we understand that."
Indeed, it was a night of highs and lows for Cleveland. And Jackson, who liked a fair share of what he saw against the Packers, also made it clear the Browns — who committed two turnovers and gave up two safeties — won't accept turnovers and other errors moving forward.
"When you come out in the preseason you want to make sure all of those kinks are worked out. I felt like we hurt ourselves a little bit too much. I can't throw an interception; I've got to protect the ball," said quarterback Robert Griffin III, pointing to an errant pass that ended an early promising drive.
"Outside of that, I thought the execution was there, but there is definitely potential for more on big plays out of us and we know that."
Jackson, who made his debut as the Browns head coach Friday night, took ownership of Friday's performance, saying he must ensure Cleveland doesn't commit lapses in the first place.
"I'm going to take responsibility for all of these things," Jackson said. "I have to coach this group better. And we will; we are getting better."
To be sure, the Browns showed promise at times Friday night. The first-team offense, which proved it could move the chains, saw Griffin connect with receiver Terrelle Pryor for a 49-yard gain on the first play from scrimmage.
Defensive lineman Jamie Meder notched a safety in the first quarter thanks to a swarming effort by the Browns defense.
Third-year defensive back Eric Patterson grabbed an interception in the second half to set up Cleveland's lone touchdown of the night.
Rookie defensive end Carl Nassib, whom the Browns drafted to bolster their pass rush, notched a sack and a tackle for loss in his NFL debut.
And rookies quarterback Cody Kessler and wide receiver Rashard Higgins connected on a sharp-looking 10-yard touchdown pass.
But that's not enough, Jackson said. The Browns have to establish a habit of consistency.
"We kind of, we go after people we do. We can do that," Jackson said when asked of Cleveland's aggressive approach to offense.
"And we've got to become a consistent group that can move the ball through the air and through the land."
The Browns, who are set to host Atlanta on Thursday night at FirstEnergy Stadium, will try to do just that when practice resumes Sunday for Day 12 of training camp.
"We'll be back to work on Sunday," Jackson said, "and we'll get after it."
