The Washington Redskins had a highly successful offseason, highlighted by a solid draft in April. The Cleveland Browns bolstered their roster with the addition of wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. via trade. Both teams are historically bottom-feeders, but the rare feeling of hope lingers near. When they meet up on Thursday night to kick off the preseason, who will come out on top?
With this matchup on tap, Redskins Wire took the opportunity to hold a Q&A with Browns Wire managing editor Jeff Risdon.
Redskins Wire: Retooled coaching staff, retooled receiving corps — there is a lot of newness with the Browns this season. What do you think is going to be the one thing that people will take away from watching this Cleveland team play for the first time under Kitchens?
Jeff Risdon: Everyone is looking to see how well Kitchens manages a game and in-game situations. He did fine last year, but there is considerably more on his plate now as the head coach. He is keenly aware of the microscope on his coaching and seems comfortable with it, but the bright lights and new situation are unprecedented for him.
RW: It’s possible that most of the starting-level players will see minimal playing time on Thursday, but who should fans keep an eye out for on the field?
JR: I don’t expect any of the marquee players — [Baker] Mayfield, Beckham, [Myles] Garrett, [Denzel] Ward, [Nick] Chubb, [Jarvis] Landry, [David] Njoku — to play more than a series, if at all.
The biggest position battles are at right guard and the depth at wide receiver and cornerback. There is a lot of pressure on Austin Corbett when he’s in the game. He’s losing the battle at right guard to journeyman Eric Kush, and if the 2018 second-round pick doesn’t show real progress soon he’s in jeopardy.
The Browns kicking battle is a heated one, too. Greg Joseph vs. Austin Seibert might not sell a lot of tickets, but it’s a huge focus in training camp.
RW: Both the Browns and Redskins have some high expectations coming into the 2019 season, though success has avoided both franchises for the past several years. If you had to put your own money down on who will have a better season, who would you choose?
JR: The expectations for the Browns are higher, both locally and nationally. With all the premium talent on the roster, it would be a major disappointment for this Cleveland team to miss the playoffs. Mayfield raises the bar.
RW: Let’s hear it — who will win Thursday night’s preseason game, what will the score be and why should anyone care?
JR: Nobody should care about the final score. I do think there is some value in the score at the end of the first quarter because that shows what some starters vs. starters can produce, but with it being the first week it’s pretty insignificant. In looking at the Washington depth, the Browns appear to have more talent in more places, so I’ll go with them to win. Browns 20, Redskins 13
