The Facts: Kessler doesn't know if he'll be the starting quarterback of the Browns in the fall, but he has focused this offseason on going deep in hopes of positioning himself to secure the job. "I definitely spent countless hours in the weight room and out on the field and really, really emphasized pushing the ball down field and different things with my mechanics," Kessler said Tuesday during the second day of the team's offseason workout program. "Obviously, it has to transition when the bullets start flying, but it's helped me out a ton, and that's something I really worked on and had a big emphasis on."

Diehards Line: HC Hue Jackson stressed last season his desire for Kessler to improve as a vertical passer. So Kessler worked this offseason in Los Angeles with private QBs coach Tom House on his arm strength and deep-ball accuracy. Of course, no one expected Kessler to start last season, but injuries to Robert Griffin III and Josh McCown in the first two games forced him to play early. He ended up starting eight games, going 0-8 for a 1-15 team. Impressive accuracy on throws of 20 yards or less allowed him to produce impressive statistics — a completion percentage of 65.6 and a passer rating of 92.3 with six touchdown passes and two interceptions. But that inability to threaten opposing defenses deep was a problem. And it's just one reason the Browns are all but certain to add a QB in the draft or via trade.