David Griffin: Defensive concerns aren’t a product of Kevin Love
August 28, 2014Brian Hoyer and Browns starters restore a bit of order against Bears backups
August 28, 2014In theory, the final preseason game would be a tune-up for the starters heading into the first week of the season. However, it is mainly used as a break for the starters and the last opportunity for those on the bubble to make a case for the Browns to keep them on the 53-man roster. Rather than risk injuries to key contributors, the Browns will give chances to their backups in order to properly evaluate them and determine whether they will make the final roster, become a member of the expanded 10-man practice squad, or be cut and not brought back.
After last week’s pathetic showing, the Browns’ offense must show that they are capable of putting touchdowns on the scoreboard, something that has seemed nearly impossible to do, thus far. On the other side of the ball, the defensive players needs to play up to their individual potentials rather than fall apart as a whole. Too often, they have looked lost, as a whole. With just a week before they head to Pittsburgh, the Browns must look sharper than they have in the past three weeks. A lackluster performance by the first team once again would further diminish the already low hopes of the season.
5 Things to Keep an Eye on
Starters: No Mental Mistakes Can Happen- A plethora of mental mistakes would be the worst thing that could possibly happen in the last preseason game (other than an injury). After a full training camp and three full games, the players will have no excuses when it comes to blown assignments or coverage. By now, Brian Hoyer must be making quick reads and when he hands the ball off, Ben Tate and Terrance West need to run decisively. Any blown block or coverage will be amplified, especially if made by a key starter or contributor.
Justin Gilbert’s Redemption- How could the season possibly start out worse for the eighth overall pick out of Oklahoma State University? He made some nice plays, including knocking down a deep pass, but did not have enough positive plays to make up for his lackluster performance in coverage. Gilbert certainly has the physical ability to become a starting cornerback, or even a true number one lockdown cover corner. But, he can’t afford to play as he did last week.
Chris Kirksey and Armonty Bryant- Although, last week, the defense gave up large quantities of points and yards, Chris Kirksey and Armonty Bryant shined on the defensive side of the ball. Filling in for the injured Desmond Bryant, Armonty was able to hurry the quarterback twice and hit him once. Kirksey was all over the field. As awesome as his pass coverage and energy are, he needs to improve against the run. However, he is a joy to watch as he plays with passion and is a playmaker on a defense in desperate need of impact plays.
The debuts of Rex Grossman and Nate Burleson- Finally, both Rex Grossman and Nate Burleson will able to suit up for the Browns and play. (I can’t believe I just said that.) Neither has their roster spot locked up, but given the lack of depth at each of their positions, they both have a solid chance to make the final roster. In particular, Burleson has a big opportunity to make a difference, not just as a backup, but as a key starter. Miles Austin, Andrew Hawkins, nor any other receiver has separated themselves from the pack. Now, Burlseon will get the opportunity to be the top target.
Leon McFadden’s Last Hurrah- Not many Browns fans are left in the McFadden camp, but the cornerback is just a year removed from being Cleveland’s third-round draft pick. He played terribly last season and has not impressed in the preseason, but he will get one final chance to show that he is worthy of a roster spot. Once again, he will start opposite Justin Gilbert and likely play most, if not all of the game at outside cornerback.
5 Questions That Need to be Answered
Which running back(s) will back up Ben Tate and Terrance West?
Dion Lewis has garnered the majority of carries in the preseason, but he does not have the versatility to play special teams or size to block that Chris Ogbonnaya and undrafted rookie Isaiah Crowell possess. Crowell has not played many preseason snaps, so he will likely be a long shot to earn a spot on the roster, but Ogbonnaya has the special teams prowess to earn a second look beyond just his running ability. At this point, I expect Lewis to make the team simply for his pass-catching and agility. But, Ogbonnaya also has a chance to make the roster as a fourth back.
Will Johnny Manziel continue to improve in his final preseason game?
The preseason for Manziel has been nothing short of a spectacle. He looked average in his first game, awful in the second, and turned his performance around, looking good in the third contest. Against Washington, he will likely play just a quarter in order to give reps to Hoyer, Grossman, and Shaw. With the backup line and receivers, Manziel will be asked to do a lot with a talentless group of players around him. But, this will be his last opportunity to prove his handle on the offense.
Which wide receivers will the Browns keep on the roster?
We know Andrew Hawkins and Miles Austin will be on the final roster. Likely, Travis Benjamin will make the 53-man as well. Then, we are left with Nate Burleson, Charles Johnson, Taylor Gabriel, Willie Snead, and Marlon Moore fighting for two or three spots depending on how many receivers the Browns carry. Burlseon and Gabriel seem like the leaders with Johnson and Snead just behind. Moore is likely the long shot. In the fourth game, they will each have sufficient opportunity to impress the coaches in both special teams and at the wideout position.
Can the first team offense move the ball?
This is the final opportunity for the offense to show that they are even capable of scoring a touchdown. The worry that the offense cannot move the ball is real and has merit. Last week, the offense could not even run the ball, a disability that criples an already weak offense. Although the first team will not play much, it would be comforting for them to put some points, preferably a touchdown, on the board. Hoyer will have pressure to lead his team down the field with Manziel on his back and this production should start against the Bears.
Who will end up on the practice squad?
This preseason, the NFL expanded the practice squad from eight to ten players. This will allow teams to keep more bodies for practice and also allow players to have jobs and get opportunities to play in the NFL. It seems like a “win” for everyone involved. In the Browns’ case, they have a lot of players who could potentially be on the practice squad. Quarterback Connor Shaw, running back Isaiah Crowell, receivers Charles Johnson and Willie Snead seem to be the likely offensive skill players to earn practice squad invites. Among others, defensive linemen Cam Henderson and Jacobbi Mcdaniel, linebacker Justin Staples, and other will get a chance to remain a Cleveland Browns player.
Preseason Game Three 53-Man Roster Projection
- Although Rex Grossman has no taken a snap as a member of the Cleveland Browns, I added him to the projected 53-man roster. Kyle Shanahan will likely want to keep a third quarterback and although Connor Shaw looked impressive against Washington, he will likely end up on the practice squad.
- This week, I included Dion Lewis as a running back who I believe will make the final roster. He has looked impressive and his coaches have noticed his quickness. I believe both he and Chris Ogbonnaya make the roster as backups to Ben Tate and Terrance West
- With the suspension of Josh Gordon finalized, I believe that the Browns will keep six receivers. Although Kyle Shanahan uses tight ends and H-Backs in place of receivers more often than other offensive coordinators, the lack of experience and talent will force the Browns to keep six wideouts.
- On the defensive line, I dropped Cam Henderson from the projected roster, but if Desmond Bryant is out for a portion of the early season, expect to see him on the roster.
- Given Jamal Westerman’s improvement throughout the preseason, he seems to have the edge on Justin Staples as the fourth outside linebacker.
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(Photo: Scott Sargent/WFNY)
8 Comments
I still think McFadden will beat out Berry. His mistakes are mental, which means they may be teachable, and he’ll be learning against 4th WRs in specific assignments if/when he plays.
I thought Staples had played well, too.
The saddest part: We only have 2 WRs who are ‘locks’ to make the roster. What does that say about this team!?
I’ve never been so down about a game I’m about to attend in my life, and it’s freaking preseason. Ugh ugh ugh ugh ugh.
Jim Dray?
I still like my darkhorse cut from the roster to be Travis Benjamin. He’s shown less in the preseason than Taylor Gabriel who has been infinitely better at receiving passes and has done very well returning kicks/punts.
I think Benjamin will stay meaning you’ll see both him and Gabriel as return men. Which isn’t bad IMO.
I’m guessing you’ll see starters play much more then in years past in the final preseason game. They sure could use the work.
True… it just seems like such a waste of a roster spot to me when the only thing Benjamin does at an acceptable level is return punts/kicks and the occasional bubble screen. I wonder if WR is a position where we could see a player who is cut by another team signed directly onto the 53-man roster since that does typically happen with a couple players.
Good catch, he should be in the “lock” category.
I’m personally not worried about that one roster spot but I think there is room for both especially if Gabriel plays WR. I don’t know. The season opener is getting closer and this team has just as many ?s as it did before the Lions game. Not good.