Cleveland Browns Starters to See Extended Playing Time Against Packers
It’s obvious that the Cleveland Browns have a lot of work to do as they get ready for the 2012 regular season. From an outbreak of
injuries to generally shaky play, the team is already facing plenty of obstacles.
That is probably partly why head coach Pat Shurmur has determined Thursday’s game against the Green Bay Packers to be the dress rehearsal game, one in which the starters play at least until halftime. The other reason, of course, is that the Browns play the Philadelphia Eagles in their third preseason game, only to turn around and play them again in the Sept. 9 regular season opener.
Whatever the reasoning, the starters could certainly use the work. With so many injuries and suspensions, a lot of players are being thrust into unfamiliar roles.
Don’t assume that this means the Browns are concerned about someone like quarterback Brandon Weeden, though. Shurmur doesn’t believe he needs any time on the field beyond the normal preseason amount.
"“I do think that if you mix up too many ones with twos then the game gets a little sloppy at times, and I don’t want to do that,” he said."
The good news here is that fans won’t have to wait another game to see the first team offense and defense in extended action. Of course, that always has the potential to devolve into agony as well.