Cleveland Browns: A guide to watching the preseason

The second exhibition extends upon what was learned in the first exhibition game.

The coaches are still not game planning for the opponent. Again there is no advanced scouting, film room session or game plans created to defeat the opponent. Coaches are still focused on the team’s play itself. Winning the game is a good sign but not necessarily the point.

However, the offensive and defensive playbook will expand. Instead of the basic core concepts, teams will begin to build on those basic blocks. This game will see more plays off of core plays. If there is a series in the offense, expect to see more plays off the core play in that series. Expect to see more counters, traps and play actions off of basic plays. These secondary plays are the key to setting teams up and game planning that will occur in the third exhibition.

The starters play a little bit longer than in the first exhibition. Playing the starters longer allows the coaches to verify that whatever mistakes were made have been corrected and techniques have improved in vital areas.

The second and third-stringers play most of the game. With cuts looming after the second exhibition game, the coaches will be evaluating players in order to set the second and third-string lineups. Players on the bubble for the first roster cuts have an opportunity to show they have progressed from the previous exhibition.

During this game, special teams can make or break a player. Play well on special teams, move on to the next game.

As a fan watching the second exhibition game, focus on the areas the Browns needed to improve upon from the week before. If your favorite players are progressing, they might stick around. However, if your favorite undrafted free agent is not contributing on special teams, then it might be time to find a new favorite undrafted free agent.

Next: The Third Preseason Exhibition