Browns vs Packers: Preseason Week 1 Offensive Takeaways
By Joel W. Cade
The offensive line’s night was mixed as, at first glance, the line looked to have a bad evening. However, a closer look revealed the line played well as a whole as the quarterbacks were adequately protected and the run blocking was adequate as well.
More from Dawg Pound Daily
- How the Browns could maximize Nick Chubb in 2023
- Can Deshaun Watson get to Patrick Mahomes level for Cleveland Browns?
- 3 Cleveland Browns who should see an expanded role in 2023 and 1 who should not
- Is Marcus Davenport on the Browns radar in 2023?
- 5 Free agents from Super Bowl LVII Cleveland Browns should target
The position battles were a fascinating feature of the game. Austin Pasztor started the game at right tackle and played the entire first half. He was able to generate movement at the line of scrimmage on running plays while his pass blocking was inconsistent. He had a tendency to get into his pass set late which caused him to be off-balance and ill positioned. These are issues are easily corrected.
Spencer Drango played well last night. He had good pass sets, was aggressive in the running game and always seemed to be in the right position. His pass blocking was as advertised coming out of Baylor. He had a few moments when he looked like a rookie as he was badly fooled by a linebacker showing blitz. Correcting that comes with experience, which is why preseason games are played.
After this game, do not be surprised if Drango starts the next game. His performance was better than Pasztor, and it would be interesting to see Drango start against another team’s first-team defense.
Cam Erving looked the part of a player learning how to play center. He struggled early in the game to get the correct angles and footwork, but as the game went on he settled down. He looked comfortable and there were no miscommunications in his line calls. That in and of itself is a reason to celebrate.
Next: Browns: Defensive takeaways vs. the Packers
Overall the Browns played as well as anyone can expect of a team with a new head coach and 49 first- and second-year players on the roster. Next week’s game will show how well these young players can accept coaching and make adjustments.
Either way, it will be exciting to watch.