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Cleveland Browns Drop Preaseason Opener To Washington Redskins: Gameballs

By Nick Dudukovich

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So the Cleveland Browns dropped their preseason opener to the Washington Redskins. That shouldn’t get in the way of handing out some game balls because there were some good moments that have the Dawg Pound looking forward to Week 1.

1. The Quarterback

What else could you ask for from Josh McCown. He looked like a veteran who’s been through 12 preseasons prior to this year.

The 36-year-old was 5-of-5 for 33 yards. He led the Browns on a 9-play, 75-yard touchdown drive and had some nice chemistry going with Brian Hartline.

It may be preseason, but McCown moved the chains and scored. Could you imagine he was 1-of-5 for 13 yards? Browns Town would be drafting Cardale Jones today.

McCown showed why he’s the No. 1 the starter going into the season. He’s organized and knows where his receivers will be. The Browns need that competence. It’s not a huge thing to ask for, but with the Browns being the Browns, it’s refreshing to see.

2. The Big Man In The Middle

Danny Shelton is going to be a superstar. How do I know that? Because you probably noticed him from snap No. 1. He’s so big, and gets such an incredible push against the opposition interior lineman.

The Browns may have finally done something right in the first round.

Now the stats show the Browns were awful against the run during Shelton’s time in the game.  The Redskins rushed for 94 yards and a 5.5 average in the first half when Shelton received the brunt of his play time.

But Shelton was being doubled and triple teamed. He commands attention, and he alone can’t be responsible for stopping the run.

3. That Johnny Football guy

Maybe Johnny Manziel won’t be a catastrophe. That’s what I said when he ran for his second-quarter, 12-yeard touchdown.  A person in the same room as me countered my statement by saying, “Isn’t this just one drive in a  preseason game?”

Hard to argue that, but remember, heading into Thursday night, Manziel had only played six quarters in the regular season.

The point is, the book is still out on the former Heisman winner, especially if he’s serious about getting his life back together.

If you count the scrimmage, Manziel looked more than capable of being an NFL quarterback for the second consecutive outing. He looked more poised, and used  his athleticsm to extend a play that ended positively. His read on the touchdown the run was dead on.

The stats say say Manziel was 7-of-11 for 42 yards. It was a good sign and hopefully Manziel continues to build off the good vibes.

4. The Former Buckeye

Brian Hartline is going to be a great addition. He knows how to run routes, knows out to get open, and maybe most important for Browns fans, he catches the darn ball!

Hartline had three catches for 30 yards. With Dwayne Bowe unable to get on the field, the need for Hartline to contribute is even greater than before–and so far, so good.

OK, it can’t all be good news, so here’s a couple “Deflategate” balls for some Browns that underperformed.

1. The First-Rounder

Justin Gilbert didn’t have a great start. There was some sort of miscommunication and he got torched by Pierre Garcon–who bailed Gilbert out by dropping the ball.

Gilbert gave up  couple of other completions and defended the ball opportunities as well. He also looked good on his 26-yard kick return.

But come on J-Gil, not a way to start the game.

2. The Rushers

The Browns are supposed to run the ball a ton this season and thus far, the backs have been unimpressive.

Nobody stood out against the Redskins, as Isaiah Crowell carried the ball four time for six yards, while Terrance West rushed four times for 10 yards.

Next: 4 Reasons The Browns Can Win With Josh McCown

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