Like most preseason games, the Packers vs. Browns game was hard to watch. But then again, these games are not for entertainment. After thinking about it for a couple days, I realized one major mistake by the Browns, the defense had no containment. I know it’s only a preseason game with the vast majority of starters not playing, but this was a big problem last year. You might want to work on that Browns. As for the long touchdown pass by the Packers, where the hell was the free safety? He broke to the other side after the ball was snapped and let our fourth string safety out on an island. Bravo to Jordan Love for seeing the coverage. That’s what good quarterbacks do best. The best players on defense who stood out to me were DT Michael Hall, DE Isaiah Thomas, LB Devin Bush, LB Mohamoud Diabate and safety Brady Breeze. On offense QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, WR Jamari Thrash, WR David Bell, WR Cedric Tillman and WR Ahmarean Brown. QB Jameis Winston also played well for one drive. Next week the Browns will play the Vikings and because they are scrimmaging with them this week, there will be very few starters playing in the game.
In other news, QB Deshaun Watson is cleared for contact. That’s good news. Let’s hope he’ll play at the start of the last preseason game against the Seahawks. A series or two would be fine with me. Unfortunately, the Browns did have a major injury during the game, backup center Luke Wypler fractured his ankle. Then yesterday, Andrew Berry traded for former Brown Nick Harris. Great move. As for the other trade that’s got the never-ending focus of the local media, I don’t put any stock in the Instagram post by WR Amari Cooper. He’s a ten-year veteran who is playing for a new contract in 2025. He’s a professional’s professional and won’t rock the boat. Besides, prior to the game Saturday he was seen on the field joking around with both players and coaches.
Finally the stadium issue is back in the news. I hate to tell everyone but, there’s going to be a new domed stadium in Brook Park. The land has been purchased and is currently being cleared. There won’t be a renovation of the current stadium because structurally it can’t hold a dome. The city and county politicians need to stop thinking about their political careers and do what’s best for downtown, let the Haslem Group help you develop the lake front. They’ll invest money in it because it will make them money. Just remember, the local city officials were against the Gateway Project (the baseball and basketball arenas) when that was proposed. Worked out pretty well in the long run. Downtown businesses will figure out a way to make money on gameday. They could host pregame parties and include shuttle buses to the new stadium. Good business owners can be very creative when there’s a profit on the line. Stay safe and Go Browns.