The Browns finished 3-0 in the preseason which gets them absolutely nothing. The last time they finished undefeated in the preseason was 2017 and then they went on to not win another game. That year, I had a feeling of dread before the season started, this year not so much. I’m getting some positive vibes (yes, I know, vibes is an archaic term) but it seems this team is ready for the season. The 2017 team sure the hell wasn’t. I’ll point to very physical practices and the fact that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz appeared to be calling plays like it was the regular season in the final preseason game. Lining up rookie Carson Schwesinger as a defensive tackle so he can blitz and get a sack is criminal, and if it’s a crime, I’m here for it.
Most of the attention for the final preseason game will be focused on the poor play of quarterback of Shedeur Sanders and how it’s everyone else’s fault but Shedeur Sanders. Some of the crap (and I wanted to use another word, but I’m trying to keep it clean) is just plain stupid. You don’t draft a player to proceed to make him fail. For f**cks (sorry couldn’t help myself) sake, what the hell is wrong with you people. What the hell gives Colorado fans the right to think their better than any other football fans. They act like they’re in the SEC or the Big Ten. They haven’t been relevant since Kordell Stewart. The Browns saw an opportunity to draft a potential 2026 starter in the fifth round. They’ve coached him up as much as possible. He regressed. It happens. The best news is they’re not giving up on him. He’ll make the roster, and they’ll keep investing in him. And I thought the Baker Bros where bad, the “Shedeur Fanboys” are the worst.
The game itself was kind of boring, and that’s how I like my final preseason games. Boring, but efficient. Flacco looks like he knows what he is doing, Gabreil is a quality rookie and Sanders needs work. It looks like the depth chart for QB’s all off-season was right on target. Speaking of QB’s, I have to admit I’m wrong. Unlike those on social media, I have no problem with it, but the Browns are going to keep four quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster. No one wants either of these rookies to be one heartbeat away from starting if Flacco gets hurt, no one. If you want to see how I worked it out, go to https://www.ffsn.com/the-fanatical-elfz-network/cleveland-browns-53-man-roster-prediction-pre-nfl-cutdown-day-browns/ for my final roster prediction.
It looks like center Ethan Pocic is going to ready for the season opener, which is good news. But the best news is, my favorite UDFA who I’ve been pimping since he signed, Adin Huntington, has made the roster. I love this kid. He played on offense Saturday; he’s a special team’s ace and he gives opposing offensive linemen real problems. Congratulations, Mr. Huntington. Since writing this, cornerback Tony Brown has been waived, but I think he’ll clear waivers and be resigned.
Now we wait to see how GM Andrew Berry improves the roster, and he will. Cutdown day is Tuesday. Watch the running back situation and the cornerback position group. Finally, I feel the Dustin Hopkins era is over in Cleveland. You just can’t miss extra points. Stay safe and Go Browns.