If you watched the Browns preseason game two against the defending Super Bowl Champs, you learned a little more about this team. Their offense will be better than last year, and their defense might be better than 2023. I had forgotten how much fun it is to watch a competent offense. I know what you’re thinking, in both games the offense was very vanilla. You’re right. But to be this effective this early in the process with mostly second and third stringers and two rookie quarterbacks is impressive. In game one, the Panthers weren’t much of a challenge, but the Eagles are a very good team, top to bottom.
As for the so-called quarterback competition, Joe Flacco will be the starter vs. the Bengals, barring injury, (fingers crossed). Both Sanders and Gabriel equated themselves nicely, but neither is nowhere near being a starter in the NFL. That’s leaves what to do about Kenny Pickett. Yes, the Browns like him, but he’s not been available to play. Would the team have liked to see him in a preseason game, sure. But it hasn’t happened. Hopefully he’ll be available for the last game against the Rams, if only to increase his trade value. I still can’t see the Browns keeping four quarterbacks on the final 53-man roster.
There are going to be some hard roster decisions to be made prior to cutdown day and not because of injuries to this point. The reason will because there are some very talented young players on the roster. Both DE Cameron Thomas and DT/DE Adin Huntington have played very well. If the team keeps four defensive tackles and six defensive ends like I think, then DT Shelby Harris might not make the roster. On defense, the only trade or future signing I see the team making is for a new cornerback. Cameron Mitchell is just not cutting it to be the guy to play in the slot. He’s allowed two touchdowns in two games to backup quarterbacks. It will be interesting if he starts against the Rams.
On offense, the backups played better. Both guards Teven Jenkins and Zac Zinter improved from week one, as did Javion Cohen. Luke Wypler had another great game at center. My only concern is OT Dawand Jones. He’s never been a great run blocker but has been a very good pass blocker. Against the Eagles he was neither. The big question on offense is the wide receiver room. Again it’s not because of injuries, it’s because the younger players are playing well. Gage Larvadain and Kaden Davis are playing like they’ll make the roster. Both returned kicks Saturday and both did well. There are rumblings that returner DeAndre Carter may not make the final roster. He hasn’t been a returner in either of the first two games. The Browns might want to see the young guys or they’re saving Carter for the regular season.
Finally, two things. One, the Browns are waiting to sign both Isaiah Bond and Quinshon Judkins until after they’re sure the league won’t suspend them. Bond looks like a surer thing then Judkins, but the Browns are very optimistic Judkins won’t face any penalties. Second, this is the worst I’ve seen Browns social media and local reporters. I expect the national media to be stupid, but the locals are making a race of it. Before you believe anything on social media, and you shouldn’t believe most of it, wait at least thirty minutes. By then a very logical and reasonable explanation will be reported. Stay safe and Go Browns.