Cleveland Browns vs. Buffalo Bills: 5 things to watch
By Thomas Moore
Aug 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Washington Redskins defensive back Justin Rogers (25) runs the ball during the second quarter of preseason NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
We’re going to put on the broken record here, but until the Browns show they can consistently stop opposing running backs from turning into All Pros, this is going to be a weekly talking point.
Against the Redskins the Browns allowed 153 rushing yards — a dozen more than they allowed last year when they were last in the NFL against the run — and the first-team defense gave up 5.5 yards per carry.
In their first preseason friendly, the Bills ran 45 times for 206 yards against Carolina, which sounds like a recipe for a long night at FirstEnergy Stadium.
However, the Bills are coming into the game without their top five running backs – LeSean McCoy, Fred Jackson, Bryce Brown, Boobie Dixon and Karlos Williams – due to injury. That left Buffalo to sign Cierre Wood, who had three carries for nine yards in two seasons with Houston after joining the Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2013.
In addition, the Bills are still unsettled at quarterback, with Tyrod Taylor expected to get the start before giving way to Matt Cassell.
If the Browns can’t stop this offense from running all over the field tonight, it is going to be one long season.
Next: Protect the house