With the Hall of Fame game behind the Cleveland Browns, the official preseason can begin. Unfortunately, with the preseason being shrunk down to three games, the Hall of Fame game can be a bit of a nuisance for the team.
The NFL preseason is always the worst for fans. Everyone is dying for football, so they all tune in to the games, yet it feels like you never get to see all 11 starters get more than one drive of action. With the new rules for the 2023 offseason that require you hit the 53-man roster by the end of August, you’ll likely see young guys get more and more playing time.
This Friday the Browns will host the Washington Commanders where most starters will likely get at least one drive. We may not see Nick Chubb, Amari Cooper, Myles Garrett, or Denzel Ward, but the first-team offensive line and Deshaun Watson should get at least one series.
To make sure this team is ready for a divisional game in Week 1, it’s imperative to get all the kinks out early. Here are three players that need to shine vs. the Commanders to make sure this team is operating on all cylinders in week one.
Cleveland Browns who needs to shine No. 3: Cade York
I refuse to be concerned about Cade York just yet, but he also needs to get his confidence back before the start of the regular season. The kid needs a break, and missing the long field goal on the first drive of the preseason is the last thing he needed.
I wouldn’t be shocked to see Kevin Stefanski try to get him on the field early vs. the Commanders. York needs a confidence boost so badly I would argue trying to call plays based on trying to get him a 35-to-40-yard field goal attempt.
York's leg strength is such a weapon and we have seen him have plenty of accuracy, right now the issues are all between the ears. Let’s hope a strong week two with no misses goes a long way in helping him turn the corner.
Cleveland Browns who needs to shine No. 2: Jedrick Wills
It should be no surprise that I’m putting more pressure on Jedrick Wills in Week 2. The Cleveland Browns No. 10 overall pick from the 2020 NFL Draft has been okay, but the inconsistency is getting tiring for fans.
I’m willing to give him another chance though and he has a clean slate with me for now. Between the hope that Bill Callahan (offensive line coach) can finally get through to him, and he’s fully healthy, he has the talent to be a great left tackle.
Remember, Wills played right tackle at Alabama and transitioned to the left side of the line. It may sound easy to just move sides, but I can assure you this is a bigger challenge than most would admit.
What I’ll be looking for most out of Wills is the effort. My biggest frustration with him last year was after getting beat when he would just stand around. With Deshaun Watson’s ability to make plays with his feet, it’s imperative for Wills to stay engaged until the whistle blows.
I will give Wills credit, he is a guy that is willing to play through injury and toughs it out. A high ankle sprain is something that likely never healed last season and he tried to give it his best through the pain.
With a healthy body and another year under his belt, I’m hopeful he can turn into everything the organization imagined when they drafted him. With so much money tied up in the offensive line and an exercised fifth-year option, the Browns need him to work.
Cleveland Browns who needs to shine No. 1: Deshaun Watson
I still don’t think the Cleveland Browns need to panic about Deshaun Watson. While I admit he wasn’t as sharp as the Browns would have liked to have seen in 2022, this guy has proven he is a fantastic player. Let’s not forget, his best season was on a terrible team that he carried on his back.
I don’t need Watson to go 7-of-7 for 100 yards and a touchdown pass, but just looking in sync with the offense and getting a few first downs would be fantastic. Playing quarterback in the NFL isn’t just riding a bike, so a few successful drives in the week two preseason game would be huge for him.
This Friday’s game will be set up well for Watson to thrive. While the Commanders have one of the best defensive lines in the league, there is a strong chance that none of the four starters get any playing time.
Not only will Washington resting their starting defensive line be good for Watson, but it will also give the Browns front five a chance to give Watson some time and let him get through a few progressions vs. having to run for his life.
I know many of you are ready to bail on Watson and hate the contract, but this guy can be precisely what Cleveland needs to get to the next level.