Instant reactions: Cleveland Browns go through the motions in win
By Joel W. Cade
The Cleveland Browns got their real work done during their two combined practices. The result was a preseason game that looked like an obligatory formality.
The Cleveland Browns played their game today like I usually feel on a morning after heavy drinking. They looked like they were just going through the motions while hoping nobody gets hurt.
The offense had a good mix of run and pass. But there were no attempts to defeat the opponent schematically. Every play was bland, generic, and blasé. The zone schemes were just basic outside, inside and wide zone plays. The pass plays were generic concepts versus man and zone.
There were a few bright spots on the day. Running back slash wide receiver slash all-around guy Demetric Felton looked good today. He sidestepped a few guys on a punt return. He was able to make people miss while running the football and continued his mystic receiving ways in the slot. But his day did not last long for this was a day for the backups who watched most of the combined practices to play.
Offensive lineman James Hudson III continues to show why he needs to be a backup. His pass blocking was porous. He whiffed on a run block on an outside zone that resulted in a loss on the play. His major problem seems to be a lack of body control. His footwork has yet to come together. It will need to come together soon if he wants to make the roster. This team cannot afford to carry another Cameron Erving on the roster.
Despite the love quarterback Case Keenum is receiving, he has yet to earn it on the field. Yes, he looks in command of the offense but his passes have been late, inaccurate and some of his choices have been questionable at best.
Nonetheless, the Browns were coming out today to prove a point. Cleveland’s roster is pretty close to being set. There have not been much by the way of camp battles. Thus, today they came out to give their backups a chance to put some good plays on tape before they get cut.
Johnny Stanton made an impression today. He played tight end, wide receiver, and running back today. He looked good in all options. If Stanton can learn the tight end position, he might be able to make the team primarily as a tight end but also backup fullback and running back.
Given the number of backups in the game, the play calling was bland and generic. Nonetheless, the offense looked like a well-oiled machine. This coaching staff, in one season, has turned what used to be a very poorly coached football team and turned them into a professional outfit. As a result, the Browns now have the luxury of playing a go through the motions game with their second and third units while still looking like a solid well-coached football team.