3 Predictions for Cleveland Browns preseason opener
By Randy Gurzi
The Cleveland Browns host the Washington Redskins on Thursday night in Preseason Week 1. Here are three predictions for their opening exhibition game.
The preseason is finally here and while the starters hardly play in the first week, at least we get to see the Cleveland Browns on the football field. After an offseason loaded with hype, the Browns will host the Washington Redskins at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Cleveland will be able to showcase some of their new stars as this will be the first time receiver Odell Beckham, Jr., defensive end Olivier Vernon, and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson will play for the orange and brown.
Some exciting young rookies will take the field as well with cornerback Greedy Williams leading the way. The second-round pick out of LSU isn’t expected to start but he should get plenty of time on the field nonetheless as he battles Terrance Mitchell for the starting job opposite Denzel Ward.
Speaking of Ward, he came out in the preseason hyped up as a rookie in 2018. The No. 4 overall pick was flagged after smacking New York Giants wide receiver Hunter Sharp with the hit stick after a pass intended for the wideout fell incomplete. Veteran receiver Jarvis Landry then drew one for taunting as he spun the ball at Jenoris Jenkins feet after beating the cornerback for a 32-yard reception.
While penalties are never good, these ones felt like a statement. After years of being picked on for their struggles, this Browns team was feeling ready to start hitting back — and the poor Giants were the ones that took the punches.
This season could see the team equally as hyped following their roster changes in the offseason, even if they don’t have quite the chip on the shoulder. We won’t predict them drawing flags on their opening series, but here are three predictions for the preseason opener against the Redskins.