The Cleveland Browns pack their bags and head to Indianapolis for some joint practice sessions this week in advance of Saturday’s preseason contest at Lucas Oil Field.
Like the Browns, the Colts have very high expectations this season. Led by a healthy Andrew Luck and two rookie All-Pros in LB Darius Leonard and LG Quenton Nelson, the Colts won a playoff game in 2018 and have set their sights higher for 2019.
The clash of rising AFC powers should produce some interesting practices at the Colts complex in suburban Westfield. I’ll be there for the Wednesday and Thursday sessions. Here are a few things I’ll be watching in the joint practices:
Mack Wilson vs. Andrew Luck
It’s one thing to pick off a rookie like Dwayne Haskins, as Wilson did in the preseason opener. It’s another to get the better of a perennial Pro Bowler like Luck. Wilson has been very active and adept at undercutting routes and anticipating throwing lanes throughout training camp. If he can pluck a pick off Luck in team sessions, it helps validate Wilson’s credentials as a playmaker.
Luck does have a lower leg injury that could keep him out. That would be very disappointing.
Browns DL vs. Quenton Nelson
Nelson exploded onto the NFL last year as a rookie left guard. It’s hard to be a star playing on the interior offensive line, but Nelson made several highlight reels with his vulgar display of power in the run game.
He’s an entirely different animal than anything the Browns defensive tackles have faced in practice. While Joel Bitonio is a deserving Pro Bowler at left guard, he’s more of a tactician and savvy veteran. Nelson is a tank hellbent on creating chaos and casualties.
Even though the joint practices figure to have little full-contact reps, it is still a chance for Larry Ogunjobi and the Browns line to prove themselves against arguably the best in the business.
Browns WR rotation
This is a twofold issue to watch. First, how much (if at all) will starters Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. play? Landry has indicated he will participate in practices, but there are different levels of participation and the Browns have been zealous in giving veterans a break from team (11 vs. 11) drills.
Secondly, who gets the reps with the first- and second-team offenses? Derrick Willies has had a very good camp and earned run with the starters when Landry and/or Beckham have rested. So has Jaelen Strong, who played for two of the Colts’ AFC South rivals before coming to Cleveland. Where does Antonio Callaway, now suspended for the first four games, fit into the mix? Will Damon Sheehy-Guiseppi get more of a chance after showing his electrifying return skills in the preseason opener?
It’s a crowded group and one the Browns coaching staff is still very much sorting out. Testing them against different cornerbacks and coverages should prove invaluable for Freddie Kitchens and his staff for a fresher perspective.
Myles Garrett vs. Colts OTs
Garrett has been a complete beast in Browns training camp. Now free to unleash his full arsenal of pass rush moves and 10 pounds lighter to get even quicker, Garrett is a major handful.
In Indy, instead of beating up on Greg Robinson and Chris Hubbard, Garrett faces different offensive tackles. Anthony Castonzo on the left and Braden Smith on the right are a decent tackle tandem for the Colts. Both are more power-oriented than either of the Browns starters, which presents a different challenge for Garrett.
Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams vs. T.Y. Hilton
The Colts have themselves a proven No. 1 wideout in T.Y. Hilton. He’s one of the smoothest route runners in the NFL and very good at adjusting to the coverage and the ball in the air.
Ward hasn’t had a ton of work in team reps, but he is definitely game for the challenge. This is also a good opportunity for the rookie Williams, who often takes Ward’s spot with the first-team when No. 21 takes a break. Being able to stick with the slippery Hilton would prove the Browns corners are ready to thrive.
Keep an eye on Deon Cain, too. The second-year Colts receiver has drawn rave reviews all summer.
