Cleveland Browns: Game plan vs. Green Bay

The Cleveland Browns open the preseason against the Green Bay Packers tonight at Lambeau Field. Here are some things to watch for.

The Cleveland Browns will take the field tonight in Green Bay, hoping to make the most of their first opportunity to compete against a true opponent. Though it is only an exhibition game, the coaching staff for both teams will be busy making preparations right up until game time.

Besides the game plan they will install, an additional responsibility the coaches have is determining the playing time for all of their players. While it may not involve devising a strategy to win the game, deciding playing time is critical in the staff’s evaluation following the preseason matchup. They need to decide what they need to see to make critical decisions moving forward.

The game plan for this game, like any preseason friendly, is more along the lines of substitutions than actual game planning. Therefore, this week’s game plan will involve more of which players will play than anything else, since that is the main purpose of preseason games.

As for the Browns, the dominating headline will be how long head coach Hue Jackson and the offensive staff decide to play starting quarterback Robert Griffin III. But how long and at what point during the game other starters are played will be revealing as to how this team is shaping up heading into 2016.

It appears that Jackson will play Griffin for about a quarter, possibly a bit less. It depends on how long the opening possession is, but a likely estimate is that Griffin will play two possessions. As for the other quarterbacks, Josh McCown may play for a short time, but due to his veteran status, probably will not go beyond halftime.

Cody Kessler and Austin Davis will share the second half, Kessler playing approximately the third quarter, and Davis the remainder of the game. Considering the increasing amount of reps Davis has gotten in recent practices, the competition of who makes the roster may still be ongoing. This makes the second half worth watching for Browns fans.

As for the rest of the offense, due to lingering hamstring injuries, receivers Andrew Hawkins and Corey Coleman will sit out the exhibition game. This opens the door for the rest of the receivers to get an opportunity to play, and the rookies who are competing for a spot on the roster will benefit. It also secures the starting role for Terrelle Pryor on Friday (unless his calf is still bothering him), opening up a lot of different trick play options with the explosive converted receiver.

The offensive line will also be given various opportunities to shine throughout the game. Much of the offense’s success early on depends on the play of center Cameron Erving. Also, as the game progresses, it will be interesting to watch the right tackle position, where four players are fighting for the starter’s role.

The overall offensive strategy will vary depending on who is in the game and what the coaches want to see those players put into practice. Early on, the play calling will be more pass heavy to Griffin and the receivers some work. This will also give opportunities for running backs Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson to pass block, an area which the coaching staff would like to see them improve.

Later on in the game, the strategy will shift to a more run-heavy one with running backs Raheem Mostert and Terrell Watson seeing action. This may open up play-action passing opportunities for Davis late in the game, especially if the game is close or the Browns are behind. But once the coaching staff sees what they need to see from every position on their offense, they will be satisfied.

On the defensive side of the ball, substitutions will be often hard to follow. Defensive coordinator Ray Horton will be rotating every player he can in at some point. One of the biggest questions entering the preseason is who will replace the injured Desmond Bryant. While this may be revealed in Friday’s game to a certain degree, there is a lot more strategy involved than finding a young lineman who can make a difference up front.

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Emmanuel Ogbah is a player to watch early on. Where he lines up will be one fascinating element, as the large lineman has the capability of playing linebacker, especially in a 3-4 defense. Besides Ogbah, fellow rookies Carl Nassib and Joe Schobert should see playing time.

In the secondary, Joe Haden‘s absence will open up opportunities for other cornerbacks to make an impact on the game most notably Justin Gilbert. Despite K’Waun Williams‘ impressive camp thus far, Jamar Taylor has been equally impressive and is gaining a lot of attention as the nickel corner. This battle will also be interesting to monitor, as real game action could go a long way in determining who will start.

While special teams has gone under the radar for the most part early on in training camp, it will be an aspect of Friday’s game that will have an impact as incumbent Travis Coons is trying to hold off Patrick Murray. Punting and kicking may not be very exciting, and the Browns may even attempt one or more two-point conversions after touchdowns instead of kicking an extra point.

However, the return game, which seems wide open, will be important. Expect the coaching staff to throw in various different kick and punt returners to find a player who can consistently fill the role. Mostert will be an option, as well as Johnson. Receiver Marlon Moore also has a history of returning kicks, as does Gilbert.

Overall, a game plan for a preseason game is much different as success is not necessarily defined by winning, but in gaining as much knowledge about the players as they can. In a way, this makes it a more challenging type of game to prepare for, since the objective isn’t clear.

Next: Browns vs. Packers: TV, radio info

But it also makes it more exciting and revealing, especially being the first action the Browns see against a true opponent in 2016.