5 areas to watch during Browns first preseason game

Mark Riley

Jul 30, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Danny Shelton (71) during training camp at the Cleveland Browns practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns open the preseason Thursday night against Washington and it would be easy to say that fans should watch the offense, the defense and the special teams, but that would be a pansy’s way out.

Rather than going that route, let’s examine some more in-depth areas of concern that need to be addressed beginning tomorrow night at FirstEnergy Stadium against the Redskins. (Yes, I said the name of the team out loud.)

A long-standing issue with the Browns that seems to rear its grossly ugly head, body and gnarly feet is the complete inability to defend the run. Every year coaches and players alike profess that “this season” the Browns are going to stop the run, and every year they find themselves floating in the swill of the worst run defenses in the league.

Certainly injuries play a part, but does it seem to anyone else that the Browns always lose a key defender(s) to a season-ending injury?

According to Football Outsiders’ Adjusted Games Lost index, the Browns’ defense ranked fifth in the NFL in games lost in 2014, while Baltimore and Pittsburgh ranked ninth and 22nd respectively. Those two teams made the playoffs as they usually do. The Browns? Not so much.

However, the site also shows that Cincinnati ranked worse than the Browns in the same category, but the Bengals still found a way to make the playoffs. So teams can still be successful even if they are hit by injuries, as long as they have solid depth.

There could be a solution developing for the Browns in first-round draft pick Danny Shelton. Shelton thus far in camp has been as advertised, clogging up the middle of the defensive line and moving like a linebacker – one that happens to be 6-foot-2 and 339 pounds. The rest of the defense surely will benefit from Sheltons’ presence, as he is sure to command a double team from opposing offenses.

If Shelton can occupy multiple blockers, that will allow the linebackers and defensive ends to make numerous tackles before the opposing running back can get to the secondary, a primary reason that run defense has been so terrible. We’ll be watching to see if Shelton can change all of that.

Next: The versatile Cameron Erving

May 26, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Cameron Erving (74) and defensive lineman Randy Starks (94) during organized team activities at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

On the opposite side of the ball, the offensive line promises to be one of the strengths of the team, but there remains at least one key to watch: rookie Cameron Erving.

“Our offense will be predicated on our ability to run the football and protect the quarterback, so it does start up front. Hopefully we’ll see some good examples of that on Thursday night.” – Head coach Mike Pettine

The second of the Browns first-round draft picks has already proven his considerable worth, learning every position on the offensive line and filling in on first-, second- and seemingly, eighth-team play. Erving shined in last week’s Orange and Brown scrimmage, and his 6-foot-6, 313-pound frame is perfectly suited for a developing rushing offense, but his pass protection is world class, too.

His footwork and blocking technique appears to be on par with an NFL starter, and no matter where he lines up against Washington, Erving will demonstrate his overwhelming talent and propel this fledgling into stardom.

Next: The kicking game

Aug 29, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers punter Andy Lee (4) punts the ball out of the end zone with pressure from San Diego Chargers receiver Richard Goodman (15) during the first half at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

While fans are familiar with former San Francisco punter Andy Lee, the remainder of the kicking crew is a real life mystery.

Carey Spear and Travis Coons, both undrafted rookies, have herculean tasks facing them. Not only do they have to kick in the swirling winds of FirstEnergy Stadium, but also in the cozy confines of Baltimore and Pittsburgh, among other pressure-cooker stadiums. If either of them can bear up under the immense pressure, the Browns will have the kicker they’ve needed since the inexplicable departure of Phil Dawson.

Personally, I am pulling for Spears, a local kid from Mayfield Heights, and Vanderbilt, who has been a Browns fan his whole life. I always pull for the local kids, because they just seem to get it with regard to understanding the plight of Browns fans.

Next: Carrying the rock

Dec 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Based on the spanking the Browns running backs took recently from position coach Wilbert Montgomery, it is also going to be interesting to observe the efforts of the running backs in the preseason.

Isaiah Crowell will play a starring role, at least initially, as he is the only healthy running back available, hence the admonishment from Montgomery. Terrance West and rookie Duke Johnson are sidelined with questionable injuries, the type that in mid-season wouldn’t even be acknowledged. It will be up to Crowell to grab the brass ring early on.

In response to a question, Browns head coach Mike Pettine mentioned on Tuesday that the Browns have “talked” about bringing in troubled ex-Raven Ray Rice, but that the team is really not considering it.

Considering Rice’s declining numbers and recent hip injury, it would be my opinion not to exercise this option. The media crush on the team would rival the Johnny Manziel insanity of just one year ago, and is exactly what this team does not need right now.

I think the idea of the Browns looking at an outside running back is more of a way to send a message to the West, Johnson and Crowell. I do believe that once they have recovered from their injuries that West and Johnson will contribute greatly to the efforts of the Browns offense. Considering that the Browns intend to be a running team, they need to get back soon.

Next: Training Camp All Star

Aug 28, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Chris Lewis-Harris (37) defends as Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Lenz (11) makes a catch during the fourth quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 35-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Finally, the Browns have a training camp all star every year, usually a guy who flashes greatness in shorts and helmets, and them goes on to complete obscurity once the lights come on and the hitting is real. (Remember Ben Gay?)

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It is possible that this year that player could be wide receiver Josh Lenz, formerly of the Colt, Bears and Seahawks. The 6-foot 195-pound Lenz is quick, posting a 4.37 in the 40-yard dash, and has caught everything thrown at him during camp. Putting Lenz in the mix makes the Terrelle Pryor experiment a tougher decision, although Pryor’s size, speed and hands give him a distinct advantage. Lenz will be worth a close watch in the preseason, especially when the second and third teams are on the field. He should be the recipient of numerous passes from Conner Shaw and Thaddeus Lewis.

In truth, it is unlikely that Lenz will make the team, although he may be placed on the practice squad or used to run back kicks or punts, should Travis Benjamin or Justin Gilbert fail in those areas.

All in all, there are a number of vitally important players that must contribute in gigantic fashion for the Browns this season. In all of these cases, the players I’ve mentioned must develop as hoped, avoid injury, and perform flawlessly for the Browns to have the success we are all hoping for.

Next: 5 free agents the Browns can still snag

Mark Riley

Native of Berea, Ohio, have been a high school football coach for 10+ years, father of one.