Browns vs Bears- What To Watch For

The Browns end their preseason (mercifully) tonight in Cleveland against the Chicago Bears. Here is what I’ll be looking to see in the final tune-up.

Browns vs Bears Preseason Game #4, 7:30pm, Cleveland Browns Stadium

Only once in Cleveland’s history have they finished a preseason schedule without winning a game. Romeo Crennel talks like he wants to avoid being the second team to accomplish that feat. He will not however, subject his starting players to injury for more than is required. Crennel told the PD’s Mary Kay Cabot this–

“I’d like to win the game for one. The other thing is, I’d like for us to look decent. It seems that the consensus is that we were decent in the Jets game, even though we lost that one. I’d like to look decent against the Bears and go from there.”

Well coach, we’d like the team to do a little more than just look decent, but that would be an improvement. Here’s what I’m watching-

The Right Side Of The Offensive Line

Ok, specifically Fraley and Hadnot. With Ryan Tucker’s status for Dallas still up in the air, we need to see improvement from you two. Everyone with a keyboard and internet access has written about how you are the weak point in the line. Time to step up if you can. We’re beginning to think the Dolphins got rid of you for a reason Rex.

Coery Williams

Here’s what I wrote before the Giants game-

With the attention that Shaun Rogers has been getting, and the limited playing time of Williams in camp, we really haven’t gotten a good read on Cleveland’s newest DE. The Giants have an above average offensive line, and I would like to see what Williams can do.

Guess what? We still haven’t seen what Williams can do. We’ve seen what he can’t do, which is chase down Jon Kitna. I thought you were a lot quicker than that last year Corey, is the injury still slowing you down?

Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald

This is the worst group of receivers you have faced so far. That’s saying something, considering all the injuries the Giants had, but Chicago’s WR corps is terrible. And they have the worst QB duo in the league. Please don’t get beat tonight. And how about creating a turnover?

Will The #3 Receiver Please Stand Up?

Someone, anyone please take this job. I don’t think that this position is vital to the success of the team, as there are plenty of options and weapons if all are healthy, but this is getting ridiculous. I find it interesting that a guy (Travis Wilson) is so close to either being a starter or cut completely.

Better Line Backer Play

I’m looking at you Wimbley. Do something. Make some plays while you are in there. Stop over-pursuing and attack the ball under control. If you can’t make tackles someone else can. (That’s what we tell our junior high team, why should pros be any different?)

Please No More Injuries

Nuff said. Now go win a game!