Typically the 3rd preseason game is what is known as the “dress rehearsal’. This is the time in which some more scheming is introduced and the starters play into the 3rd quarter. But with the fact that the Browns face the Eagles in two weeks, we may see something different Friday night. So here is what to expect, and what to look for against the Eagles.
Offense and Defense:
Do not expect anything complex in regards to offensive and defensive play calling. Look for a lot of slant and arrow routes on the offense with straight forward running. The Browns will not give away anything special. Defensively look for a very vanilla defense. Probably a lot of zone or cover two with very few blitz schemes. I would not be surprised to see the Eagles and Head Coach Andy Reid to do the same. But this does not mean there are still not things to look for. Here are a few things to keep your eye on.
Offensive Line:
Much like the Detroit Lions the Eagles play a “wide nine” defensive front in which the Browns struggled against in Detroit. The question is will there be a mark improvement. Both offensive tackles Mitchell Schwartz and 5-time Pro Bowler Joe Thomas struggled against this defense, but I expect that the O line will handle this attack much better this time around.
Brandon Jackson:
Montario Hardesty has shown a great deal of improvement over the past year. He is lighter, quicker and faster. In comparison Jackson is still looking for his game. If he does not have a strong performance he could end up third or maybe even fourth on the depth chart.
James-Michael Johnson:
Johnson has made the move from inside to outside linebacker. He has flashed at times but he may be relied on heavily in the beginning of the year. The real question is can he live up to his potential? Pay close attention to him on Friday night. Also look for L.J. Fort and Craig Robertson to get another close look. At this point I feel they have guaranteed themselves a spot on the final 53 man roster.
The Battle at DT tackle:
Both John Hughes and Billy Winn have been impressive. This is the game that will likely determine who will start for the injured Phil Taylor at the start of the season. Ultimately they will probably get equal time not only Friday but at the beginning of the season but only one can be named a starter. Expect both of them to put on a performance getting after Michael Vick.
Marcus Benard is back:
It appears that Bernard is back to his old form after missing all of last season because of a highway crash that placed him on the IR list. He played extremely well against the Packers and he gives the Browns that outside rush that will help out both the D-line and secondary. A former undrafted free agent who has worked hard to come back from injury has something to prove and he appears to be doing just that. Expect him to be around the ball all night.
Brandon Weeden:
This may be Brandon Weeden’s toughest test yet as a rookie. He is going up against a top-flight secondary so his mistakes must be kept to a minimum. Taking care of the football will determine if Weeden has a good night or not. The stats will matter less if he is smart with the ball.
Travis Benjamin and Josh Gordon:
These are two guys who will mean a lot to this offense in 2012. Benjamin has done nothing but surpassed expectations while Gordon has shown he does some things well and others…… Not so well. If both are able to step up expect a fun game to watch.
What are you looking for in preseason game #3? Let us know?
Michael W. Youngman--Lead Analyst C.B.R.Michael is the Lead Analyst for the Cleveland Browns Report and the AFC North Report. He has written many articles that have been featured by playerpress.com, cantonrep.com, FoxSports.com, and of course this site. Michael has also written a book titled “The Dayton Project” published in 2008 by PublishAmerica. He makes his home in the Hall of Fame City of Canton Ohio with his wife Lisa and his two children Joseph and Jennifer. To learn more, visit his Website
