Now that the Browns are no longer under the dark cloud of a Deshaun Watson suspension announcement, it’s time to concentrate on what happens on the field. Well, it was a preseason game where hardly any starters played, but it was a Browns game. As for the Watson 11 game suspension, he’ll return to play against his former team and fellow lawsuit waiting to happen, the Houston Texans. Who said the NFL doesn’t have a sick sense of humor? The league only cares about money, optics and ratings, and the ratings for that game will be through the roof. On to preseason game two.
The Good. QB Josh Dobbs, WR David Bell, WR Mike Hartley, Jr., K Cade York, RB Jerome Ford, OL Michael Dunn, OL Hjalte Froholdt on offense. On defense, LB Tony Fields, II, DT Glen Logan, LB Willie Harvey, LB Jordan Kunaszyk, DE Isaac Rochell and DE Alex Wright. Dobbs continues to impress me and living in Nashville Tennessee, I saw enough of him when he played for the University of Tennessee. I know the play calling is very vanilla this time of year, but his decision-making ability is very impressive for a third string QB, but then again, pro football isn’t rocket science, (you know I had to sneak in a rocket science joke). Bell and Hartley, especially Hartley, played very well. York, even though he missed a 55-yard field goal, it hit the top of the pylon. Ford will continue to push for a roster spot. The Browns may have to keep four running backs (Chubb, Hunt, Johnson and Ford). Felton will be listed as a wide receiver. Dunn and Froholdt showed their versatility, which will come in handy when deciding how many offensive linemen to keep, (nine or ten total). On defense, LB’s Tony Fields, Willie Harvey and Jordan Kunaszyk really stepped up. Harvey and Kunaszyk are locks to make the roster on special teams. Rochell and Wright improved from game one and Logan may sneak himself onto this roster because of the lack of talent at the defensive tackle position.
The Bad. I should list WR Anthony Schwartz as average, but there is no good, average, bad and ugly. He improved, that’s all I can say, but not to the point of a WR3. Yes, the penalty situation got better, but some of those penalties happened at the worst times. DT Perrion Winfrey is struggling. He was blown off the ball in running plays all night long. And speaking of the defensive tackle position?
The Ugly. Browns fans had better hope some average to good defensive tackles shake lose during cutdowns. After Jordan Elliot & Glen Logan, It’s truly ugly. I had such high hopes for Tommy Togiai. Josh Rosen was nothing more than a camp arm during pre-season, so I’m not surprised by his play on the field. The Browns could probably sneak him onto the practice squad, but I don’t’ think that’s a quality idea. GM Andrew Berry will wait for the final NFL cutdown to bring in a QB3.
Another glorified practice bites the dust. Tomorrow the Browns have to cut five more players to get the roster from 85 to 80. The next totally unnecessary game will be Saturday August 27 against the Bears. Check your local listings for this barn burner. Everybody stay safe and Go Browns.