Cleveland Browns: A guide to watching the preseason

The third exhibition is a fan favorite. It is the one preseason exhibition that most resembles a game-like environment and intensity.

For the only time during the preseason exhibition games, the Browns will game plan for the opponent. Scouts will be sent to the second exhibition to see the team in person. Tape will be reviewed by the team to plan how to best execute the offense and defense against them.

This exhibition week is a mock run through of a regular season week of preparation. The Browns, usually, no longer practice the ones versus the ones as in training camp. Instead, the ones will practice against scout teams while preparing for game-like situations. The focus will be on executing in key areas of the game plan, i.e. third downs, red-zone, backed up, etc.

The starters will play all of the first half and into the second half. Coaches want to evaluate how well a team can make halftime adjustments and execute it on the field. Leaving the starters in the game longer allows this to occur.

By the third exhibition game, most of the position battles should be settled and preparation for the season begins. Players on the bubble need to make a good impression during second half playing time and special teams.

This exhibition game is the most exciting for fans. The Browns will actively game plan and will seek to defeat the opponent on the field as a primary goal. This is considered the dress rehearsal, so expect to see the Browns execute perfectly without communication, alignment or assignment issues. Enjoy this game, it is most game-like situation of the preseason.

Next: The Fourth Preseason Exhibition