Browns Takeaways: Not Much To Be Thrilled About
Syndication: Akron Beacon Journal
After some spirited joint practices, the Cleveland Browns went head-to-head with the Minnesota Vikings in their second preseason game. The final score isn’t key in the preseason, but the Browns were defeated 27-12. There were some bright spots, but also some areas that the Browns need to clean up before the season starts.
Let’s take a look at the biggest takeaways from the Brown’s second game.
On offense, the Browns played only two quarterbacks: Tyler Huntley and Dorian Thompson-Robinson. This doesn’t surprise anyone given DeSean Watson’s workload in the joint practices and head coach. Kevin Stefanski is extreme desire to keep his star, quarterback upright but neither player locked up the third-string job with their performance. DTR took on the tougher assignment and when put in that context looked a bit better with 126 yards, but still threw a costly interception. Huntley came in during the second half and completed 14 of his 20 passes for 135 yards and two touchdowns.
If neither makes a positive impression in the next game, there is a chance that the Browns could once again test the fates and decide to keep only two quarterbacks on the active roster and try to slip either Hunter or DTR to the practice squad.
DTR did have an excellent weapon in the first half. Jamari Thrash looks like he could play a big role on the team this season. He caught three passes for 25 yards and although those stats don’t jump off the page, he had a nice catch and broken tackle that displayed an upper level ability that the Browns can be enthused about.
That DTR to Jamari Thrash connection, though 🔥 pic.twitter.com/9aAO9t3b6H
— Browns Film Breakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) August 17, 2024
The offensive line continues to take hits. James Hudson III, who spent most of the preseason in place of Jedrick Willis Jr as the starter, went down with an ankle injury. He ended up leaving the stadium in a walking boot.
#Browns Hakeem Adeniji left in a right knee brace and on crutches, and James Hudson left in a walking boot
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 17, 2024
Hakeem Adeniji suffered a knee injury and left the stadium on crutches. Germain Ifedi started the game at left tackle but suffered a hand injury that kept him out the rest of the game. The Browns will probably end up needing to sign more depth pieces this week depending on how serious the injuries end up being. Maybe a run at David Bahktiari is in the cards?
Running back D’onta Foreman had a strong game from a receiving standpoint, but in running the ball he left a lot to be desired. Foreman ended up rushing ten times but only finished with 18 yards. Huntley was the leading rusher, finishing with 19 yards.
Speaking of running, the Browns’ back up run defense could be improved. There were wide-open holes for the Vikings’ backs all day. obvioysly a lot of that comes down to the starters being out, but the team has to hope to see better overall from the reserves. Maybe the defensive line depth is not as deep as we thought heading into training camp
On special teams, Cade York connected on his only field goal attempt from 33 yards while Dustin Hopkins watched the game from the sideline. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said after the game that Hopkins was dealing with an injury but was expected to be ready for Week 1.
Stefanski said K Dustin Hopkins is dealing with an injury but should be fine and good to go for Week 1. Cade York has kicked the first two preseason games.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 17, 2024
Once Hopkins is healthy York will be released or put on the practice squad.
Now for something more fun: Jameis Winston was in midseason form with his pregame speech. Before the opening kickoff, Winston had the team around him. Fired up, Winston reminded his team how important it was to get the win, even if it was just the preseason.
Your weekly Jameis Winston pregame speech 🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZAWggipRtY
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) August 17, 2024
“Everyday you go out there, you lay it on the line, Let me tell y’all something, I don’t care if you’re here tomorrow, I don’t care if you’re here next week, we need to get a W in our house. We need to get a W. The last thing you put on film is a W.”
Unfortunately the bad news for Winston and the Browns is they didn’t get that W. Hopefully during the regular season Winston and his pregame speech will motivate the team to actual meaningful wins.
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