The Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions went head-to-head in a matchup that would start answer some questions. For now the questions will remain with the Cleveland Browns. Do the Browns have a number one Quarterback? Do the Browns have the Offensive-line needed to succeed. Do the Browns have a reliable to receiver to cover for Josh Gordon’s inevitable absncece this season? Are the Browns as hyped up about “Johnny Football” as the fans are? All these questions may have not been answered tonight, but we have a good idea as to what direction this team is in.
Starting with the Offensive-line, the Browns arguably have one of the best O-lines in football . Thanks to strong pass-protection starting line, Brian Hoyer was able to stand tall in the pocket and complete passes down the field; however, the depth at the O-line is thin. While not much pass-pressure was allowed, the line did struggle on the ground. The Lions had much success in blowing the unit off the ball for an easy stop; the lack of run-blocking will be a question answered in later games. Kudos to the line for protecting the signal callers though.
The quarterback-play is the most controversial in Cleveland. Once Johnny Manziel took the field, Boos and cheers were mixed. While many feel Manziel is undersized, too fragile and just not good enough to play, Manziel proved to be quite impressive in his preseason debut. Johnny Manziel is not the best thing since sliced bread but he did his own slicing tonight, with a quick release and accurate passes to his Charles Johnson, and Taylor Gabriel. Despite a few missed drops by a young receiving corps, Manziel made the most of it. “Johnny Football” did get happy-feet and ran when he could have hit the check-down. One instance was a fourth-and-one, where Manziel scrambled for the first down despite a wide open Fullback ahead of him. Manziel is a QB and sometimes QBs pull it down and run. It isn’t the most logical way but it is a split-second decision; one that the Heisman Trophy winner favors. Brian Hoyer had an impressive showing as well. Playing against the Lions’ first Defense, Hoyer completed two-passes to super-star Josh Gordon and one to newcomer Miles Austin. The protection really allowed Hoyer to make the throws needed to cross the fifty-yard-line. Hoyer was more reliable down-field and nearly completed a pass to Miles Austin, but was dropped. Despite either quarterback throwing a touchdown, they both got in on the action. The question is: Who is the better Quarterback? We know that the competition is heating up and both signal-callers are in a dead heat.
The second biggest question for the Browns is: Who is going to replace Josh Gordon? The Browns’ receivers are comprised of Miles Austin, Jordan Cameron, and young receviers like Charles Johnson, Willie Snead and Taylor Gabriel. The most impressive of the receviers was Charles Johnson. Johnson had 3 catches for a total of 30 yards. While it may not seem like much, it makes an impact when other guys like Snead and MarQueis Gray dropped key passes. Both Johnson and Gabriel did perform really well. Gabriel ran smooth slant routes and made a few good catches. The core of receivers has a lot to learn and whether or not they will be ready for the regular season will be answered in games to come.
The final question is, “Do the Browns have a potential star on Defense?” The most impressive player was Leon Mcfadden. Despite three defensive penalties, Mcfadden did play tight coverage and made some good plays. The three penalties were arguable but, in the NFL what happens, happens. The second-year CB had a solid outing and with a few more games under his belt, this young man could really create talk. The only other defensive player that was close to being impressive was Justin Staples. His one tackle will have no one talking but, anyone that focuses on Staples’ total gameplay should be impressed. Staples was really the only player getting good pressure against the Lions Offensive Lines. Staples had a key fumble recovery as well. The Undrafted Free Agent was signed to the practice squad last year and his strength and size could really impact the already talented Browns’ Defense.
The Browns still have a lot of questions that will hopefully be answered in each preseason game. Manziel and Hoyer are looking good and showing the same issues and improvements. The Browns have potential and the young players will really need to step it up for the remainder of the season.
Josh Gantt is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on twitter or Facebook