Now that I’ve had some time to digest what happened last Thursday night, I thought I throw in my two-cents worth on the Browns first preseason performance.
Starting QB Brock Osweiler looked excited to get out onto the field, but rather nervous in the pocket. Had Kenny Britt done a toe tap in the end zone, Osweiler’s stats would’ve been seen in a much different light. My guess is he’ll be the opening day starter.
Cameron Erving has proven only one thing since he was drafted: he’s just another Ray Farmer first round draft bust. The combination of false starts, missed blocking assignments and holding penalties is simply unacceptable at the NFL level. I’d be nervous too if I were in Brock Osweiler’s shoes, knowing that the human turnstile was trying to protect my blind side instead of perennial All-Pro Joe Thomas. The only thing that surprises me about Erving is that he’s still on the roster. I’m confident that, by the time teams finish making roster cuts, Erving will be among the departed and that his replacement will come off the waiver wire.
Rookie DE Myles Garrett is exactly as advertised. The Saints O-line had to double team him on nearly every play. He will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
The addition of Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams and his staff has brought a physicality that this team has been sorely lacking since 1999. It was good to see the defense come up with turnovers, as well as see the offense get points off turnovers. Welcome to Cleveland, Coach Williams.
Rookie RB Matt Dayes looked quite competent running and catching the football. His pass protection was also quite good. For where we got him in the draft, he was an excellent acquisition.
Star of the game DeShone Kizer looked very good for the most part. I must encourage you all to please temper your enthusiasm, though. There were times when he held onto the football far too long. You also need to remember that this was against 3rd and 4th string defensive players. I’m confident that Kizer is the Browns QB of the future, but he’s got a long way to go before he’s ready to take the wheel. He needs to get better command of the huddle and the playbook. I’m guessing that very few of Hue Jackson’s plays are as easy to call and to read as “strong right slot – Z right – spider 2 Y banana – Z over” or “Gun Roger Pro – Pass Ten – Z Steel – Superman“.
I’m not exactly sure what’s gotten in to Briean Boddy-Calhoun, but I hope that he keeps it up. He’s been a very willing an able tackler at the point of attack.
Rookie kicker Zane Gonzalez looks to be a real keeper. I fear that Cody Parkey’s days in Cleveland could very well be numbered.
Those are a few of my thoughts. Let me know yours.