Cleveland Browns vs. Buffalo Bills: 5 things to watch

Jun 16, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Alex Mack (55), Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Joe Thomas (73) and Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Mitchell Schwartz (72) during minicamp at the Cleveland Browns practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

As long as the starters are in the game, the Browns’ offensive line will face a stiff test against Buffalo’s defensive line.

While defensive tackle Kyle Williams may not play (or be limited if he does) after returning to practice on Tuesday while dealing with a bruised quad muscle, the Bills still have Mario Williams (14.5 sacks in 2014), Jerry Hughes (9.5 sacks) and Marcell Dareus (10).

It will be strength vs. strength as the Browns offensive line is one of of the best in the league and after knocking heads for two days earlier this week at St. John Fisher College, the two lines should be ready to hit for real.

“As we said ‘iron sharpens iron.'” Bills coach Rex Ryan told Northeast Ohio Media Group. “You go against the best, and that is one of the best offensive lines in the league and certainly against one of the best if not the best defensive line in the league. When you get that kind of quality work against each other that can only help.”

In addition to keeping McCown in one piece, the offensive line needs to keep opening holes so running backs Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell can hopefully get their act together after combining for just 16 yards on eight carries.

“Their defensive line is really good,” McCown told NEOMG. “There’s no question about that. It’s the strong point of their team. It’s a good test and good matchup for us, for our guys.”

Next: Catching the ball