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Cleveland Browns: Preseason Week 3 instant reactions following ugly loss

By Martin McConnell

TAMPA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 23: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers line up against the Cleveland Browns during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 23, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 23: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers line up against the Cleveland Browns during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 23, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – AUGUST 8: Austin Seibert #2 of the Cleveland Browns kicks an extra point during the second quarter of the game against the Washington Redskins at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 8, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – AUGUST 8: Austin Seibert #2 of the Cleveland Browns kicks an extra point during the second quarter of the game against the Washington Redskins at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 8, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

Defense and Special Teamers Strut Their Star Power

On the other hand, the story could not be more different when it comes to the Browns’ starting defense. Everyone knew that Cleveland’s defense was insanely talented coming into the year. However, against Tampa Bay’s offensive line, the debut of the starting front four was able to feast.

Myles Garrett, Sheldon Richardson, and Larry Ogunjobi were all fine and good throughout the dress rehearsal. However, it was former New York Giant Olivier Vernon that truly shined during the first half. Vernon’s two sacks on the game came in dominating fashion, as quarterback Jameis Winston looked down the barrel of one of the league’s scariest young defensive fronts.

The Browns defensively dominated, keeping the first-team offense in the game during the first half. They allowed zero points in the first half, letting kicker Austin Seibert capitalize with field goals. And capitalize Seibert did.

Austin Seibert may have finally pulled ahead in the kicking race against Greg Joseph. His first field goal coming from 54 yards, Seibert put the ball cleanly through the uprights early and often.

Next. Mack Wilson named camp’s top rookie. dark

This game showed just how quickly things can change on the special teams unit. Just a few weeks ago, Greg Joseph was easily the clubhouse leader for the kicking job. Now, Austin Seibert may have (finally) wrestled it away from him.

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