3 ways to gauge Browns success in preseason Week 2

No. 1: Jerome Ford and other reserve players step up

A 41-yard run by rookie running back Jerome Ford was one of the headlines of the first preseason game down in Jacksonville for the Browns. Let’s not forget about that impressive interception by new cornerback Martin “MJ” Emerson that he ran back 74 yards for the score. It was a good night for many of the second-teamers. Hopefully, that type of effort is seen in this Week 2 game.

There are many questions about who will make up the final — but not final — 53-man roster. If Ford can duplicate the good performance again on Sunday, then a player like running back D’Ernest Johnson might be out of a spot on the 53-man roster. There’s also the possibility that Kareem Hunt might be on the move in a trade. He requested one a few weeks ago and now that could be more realistic with another strong game by Ford.

The Browns now know they will have to go without Watson for the majority of the season and that means all these backup players will become even more valuable this season. They can’t pin their chances on a top 10 NFL quarterback like Watson anymore. However, they have many good players up and down the roster. With good coaching and a focus on a team effort every week this team should manage to be in the playoff picture.

I like the team’s chances with Brissett at the quarterback spot. You throw in a running back named Nick Chubb, a wide receiver in Cooper and a defense led by defensive end Myles Garrett and this group is still a very good team.