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Cleveland Browns: Who needs to show more in Preseason Week 2?

By Randy Gurzi

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during the warm up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during the warm up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Rashard Higgins of the Cleveland Browns walks off the pitch after the NFL International Series match between Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns at Twickenham Stadium on October 29, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /

Writer: Matthew McFatridge

Player on offense I would like to see more of: Rashard Higgins, Wide Receiver

Throughout Training Camp, one big notable wide receiver has been missing in Josh Gordon. Many feared with his absence the team would be scrambling at wide receiver. And while the team may still need to sign another receiver to the roster before Week 1, Rashard Higgins has helped ease some concerns with his play.

Many media members have said that he and Baker Mayfield have built a strong connection, and that was evident in the first preseason game. “Hollywood” Higgins caught a few passes and made some nice plays with Baker leading the offense following Tyrod Taylor’s start.

More. Mayfield may have already found his favorite WR. light

I’m really excited to see more of Higgins and how his continued work with Taylor and Mayfield will help him in game action. If he can continue to fill the void left by Gordon, then perhaps he’ll earn his way into a starting role alongside Jarvis Landry out wide.

Player on defense I would like to see more of: Denzel award, Cornerback

Denzel Ward is almost certainly going to be a starter this season at cornerback for the Browns. While it’s a crowded room with all the new defensive backs that were brought in, the number four overall pick is more than talented enough to start this season.

Ward didn’t play much in the first preseason game against the Giants. After making a big hit on a Giants receiver to force the incompletion, he got up and taunted him, forcing a 15-yard penalty. That sort of thing may impress some, who says he’s playing with an edge, but those types of boneheaded plays can very well cost you a game in the regular season.

I’m interested to see if he gets more time on the field against the Buffalo Bills to continue to show why he was the number four overall pick, but also to see if he has matured any since last week. Sure, it’s only the preseason, but much like the old saying goes “you’ll play how you practice.” If Ward acts this way now and doesn’t get his act together, he could potentially cost the Browns a chance to win some games this season with similar boneheaded mistakes.

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