The Cleveland Browns will finally be hitting the football field on Thursday against the Washington Redskins in their first preseason bout. There are many questions that fans need answers to and they probably wont all be answered in just one exhibition game. Typically Cleveland shines when the games don’t count, but that’s usually due to the team being terrible and leaving their starters in for too long. Below are just a few things that should be focused on during the first contest.
The Backup QB Job
Baker Mayfield is the dude and no one is disputing that, but behind him is a bit of a logjam. Drew Stanton is currently number two and a reliable back-up that fills the veteran leadership role, but he is 35 years old. Garrett Gilbert is listed at number three, is only 28 years old and has been lighting up camp. Let’s also not forget about David Blough, who has overachieved his entire career.
How the stacked skill players gel
The Browns are absolutely stacked and we have all sit through six months of waiting to finally see the stars in their game attire. No one should expect Mayfield and Co. to put up fifty points and honestly, no one should expect them on the field for more than the first drive. But the excitement of it all finally together is still insane.
Just to reiterate — Mayfield, Nick Chubb, Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. are all going to be on the field at the same time in the same uniform.
The Defensive Line
Myles Garrett is what he is and that is an elite defensive end and no one should be concerned about him, but the two new additions in Sheldon Richardson and Olivier Vernon are going to be extremely intriguing to monitor. The Cleveland faithful are hoping to see flashes of excellence from this pass rush. Wyatt Ray is another player to watch as he will be trying to make an impact in an effort to secure a roster spot. Tracy Sprinkle, too.
Dynamic Linebacker Duo
Sione Takitaki and Mack Wilson have been making waves at camp and the two will be lining up side by side on Thursday as Takitaki is the second team middle backer and Wilson will be posted on the outside.
Takitaki was drafted in the third round and it is clear Cleveland has a plan for him. Wilson was taken in the fifth round but has an extremely high ceiling and is making plays in camp. Seeing them in action together is going to be exciting.
