Will Browns Greenbrier Stay Pay Off? That's up to the Players

One of the stated goals for the Cleveland Browns going to the Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia was to build team chemistry. However, given that these are adults and the organization is limited in how much they can make the players do, that requires so-called 'organic' team building, meaning it's on the players to buy in and make the most of the opportunity.

If this were high school or college, the coaching staff could mandate the team participate in teambuilding activities. This being the NFL and with strict guidelines as far as what teams can make players do per the collective bargaining agreement, the organization is limited in how much they can mandate. Unless the team is using designated meeting times, the players don't necessarily have to engage.

Coaches and team staff can suggest activities at the resort since they have a list of everything the venue has to offer. They can encourage players they see as leaders to engage with another player, a group, etc. which is happening, but so much of this is based on the hope the players making it their own.

In his press availability Sunday, Deshaun Watson provided insight into what the team is trying to accomplish. The Browns, like a number of programs in both high school and college across the country, had players talk about their four H's in front of the rest of the team.

"I talked to the team last night. We had opportunities and Kevin called up a couple of guys and we gave our history, our story. We call it the four H’s, which is the history about yourself, your heroes, your heartbreaks and your hopes. I had the opportunity to speak to the team and told my story." - Deshaun Watson

If the person partaking in this takes it seriously and allows themself to be vulnerable to their teammates, it can help in building that team chemistry. The more players care about each other, the more likely they are to play about each other. Nowhere is that more important than the leaders of the team. If players feel like Watson cares about them, they are more likely to follow him.

In Watson's case, he wants to prove himself as the leader of the team, so there's more pressure on him to be honest to that process than anyone. And given the situation he put himself in this past year, a year that Watson described as the worst of his life, bearing his soul in a meaningful way could go a long way with his teammates.

Most of Watson's heartbreaks have been quite public, but for new or less heralded teammates, it could go a long way in growing a bond within the team. Even teammates who spend time together within their position groups might learn something they didn't know about each other, but that could be a bridge between the offense and defense.

Consider the gulf the Browns experienced on offense and defense that was highlighted last year. The offense was professional, consistent. There were far more established players and veterans on that side of the ball with young players largely being eased into the lineup.

The defense, meanwhile, had a few big time talents, but the group was so young, it was often rudderless, which led to issues with professionalism and focus. The front office has worked to change the complexion of the defense this past offseason, bringing in more proven players and professionals, but these types of exercises could open up lines of communication that didn't previously exist on each side of the ball.

Part of the reason the Browns are at the Greenbrier is so players can't leave. Yes, the resort has luxurious amenities, but outside of staff, they are . The goal is to eliminate distractions like the night life and more or eliminate normal life excuses that would otherwise prevent them from interacting with each other outside of their normal work responsibilities.

Monday will be interesting because the players will be off. Undoubtedly, players are going to take advantage of what the resort has to offer, but will they continue to use that time to build camaraderie with their teammates? For example, if Watson wants to play golf, making an effort to play with teammates he's not as familiar with or perhaps someone who only recently was added.

Outside of the insight provided by Watson and teammates, maybe some observations from the media during practices, it's going to be difficult to know how much the team will truly benefits from this trip to West Virginia. If the Browns have a successful season, it will be credited as a factor. A disappointing finish and it will be deemed a failure, another reason to call for jobs but unless the players specifically note it, the impact is largely going to be unknown.