Daily Dawg Tags: Preseason comes to a close tonight
By Thomas Moore
Spanning the virtual globe to bring you the latest news about the Cleveland Browns and the NFL – these are your Daily Dawg Tags for Thursday, Sept. 1.
The Cleveland Browns close out the preseason tonight when they take on the Chicago Bears at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Head coach Hue Jackson plans to play the starters for at least a portion of the game as they need the extra work after what has generally been a poor preseason. How long Jackson is willing to risk the starters to injury remains to be seen, so while there is some benefit to having them on the field, there is also some risk.
In addition to seeing the starters in action, there are still several position and roster battles to keep an eye on as NFL team’s near Saturday’s roster cutdown.
“I’m going to watch everything, along with our executive staff. We are at the stage of trying to put our best team together,” Jackson said this week. “How many spots, what the numbers are, I’m not sure of that, but obviously, we all know there are some (position battles).
“There are 53 that we have to make sure that we have here so we will work at it and we will see how this thing shakes out.”
We have a full day of coverage planned for today at Dawg Pound Daily, so let’s kick it off by taking a look at the latest news about the Browns and the NFL.
Cleveland Browns news:
Can Josh Gordon clear one last hurdle?
"Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has made it this far in his return to the team. Can he make it through one final suspension in good shape?"
Browns vs. the Bears: What to watch for
"The Cleveland Browns head into their fourth and final preseason exhibition tomorrow night against the Chicago Bears here in Cleveland. This is the final dress rehearsal before the games start to count. Most fans ignore this game, viewing it as the most useless of all four preseason games. However, knowing what to watch for will help the informed fan enjoy what is usually the most exciting game of the preseason."
Inside Hue Jackson’s master plan for the Cleveland Browns (NFL.com)
"Follow along with an intimate look at how a beleaguered franchise’s latest hope attempts to overhaul a losing culture — from his initial hesitance about the job to one of the most amazing moments of his life."
Josh McCown likely on Minnesota’s radar (cleveland.com)
"Cleveland Browns backup quarterback Josh McCown is likely on the Minnesota Vikings’ radar to replace Teddy Bridgewater as they huddle to explore their options, but the Browns are unlikely to part with the 14-year veteran."
Some jobs up for grabs heading into preseason finale (ohio.com)
"The Browns, like all NFL teams, will trim their 75-man roster to 53 players by 4 p.m. Saturday. But first, some jobs can be won — or lost — in their preseason finale against the Chicago Bears, which will begin at 8 p.m. Thursday at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland."
NFL news:
The beginning of the end of the Ryan family dynasty is upon us (CBS Sports)
"Take a long glance at the Buffalo Bills. Pay special attention this NFL season to the team’s head coach and his twin brother. It is rare to watch a once dominant species go extinct, to see something that once helped define an ecosystem fade before your eyes and then, whoosh, vanish. But that is what is now unfolding for the Ryan football family. Once proud, powerful and far-reaching, the Ryans are fading from the landscape their father helped craft."
NFL clears three in PED probe (NFL.com)
"The NFL cleared Packers linebackers Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers and Steelers linebacker James Harrison of taking or obtaining any performance-enhancing substances following its investigation into accusations made about the players in an Al Jazeera America documentary last year."
Paul Kruger as close as it gets for pass-rush needy Saints (ESPN)
"The New Orleans Saints finally signed a proven pass rusher, pouncing on veteran Paul Kruger on Wednesday after he was released by the Cleveland Browns. Of course Kruger can’t be expected to come in and be a savior. Saviors don’t generally get cut by teams like the Browns one week before the season starts."
Dak Prescott: How good is good enough? (The Landry Hat)
"Dallas Cowboys rookie quarterback Dak Prescott is going to have to play well if he wants to retain the starting role when veteran Tony Romo returns from a back injury."