Quick Takes: Browns Win Pre-Season Opener Against Rams

Aug 8, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Dion Lewis (28) is congratulated by wide receiver Davone Bess (15) after scoring a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns opened Pre-season action last night against the St. Louis Rams at home. The Browns won the meaningless game but there were many takeaways from the contest. Below is quick takes on all series in the first half. Because the second half includes only backups against backups it is not included here.
1st Offensive
- Brandon Weeden had no balls tipped at the line of scrimmage.
- Devone Bess great on 3rd and short
- Dion Lewis has some wiggle
- The team threw a lot.
- Red zone offense would be different if Trent Richardson was in.
- Lot of throws to offensive right, only 1 throw to the left (Bess 3rd down Conversion)
- Bess wasn’t thrown at in redzone, but could provide some Welker like option route
- Injured David Nelson could be the tall redzone threat needed as well.
- Not a good drop by Jordan Cameron but awesome catch by Greg Little, all the extra jugs work after practice is paying off.
Kickoff
- Barkevious Mingo made special teams tackle: Sign of willingness to do whatever asked, but does it risk injury to #1 pick?
1st Defensive
- First 2 passes Rams offensive line seemed disrupted by Horton’s hybrid defense.
- Blitz was a second to late: Joe Haden playing based on blitz getting there on time.
- Phil Taylor’s hustle back on run play to create fumble. Beast in training camp so far. Huge for 34 D.
2nd Offensive Series
- Cameron not in the game 2nd series to start but made huge crossing route catch for 30 yards to 6th, needed that after drop in first series
- Lewis looking dynamic but can’t run between tackles
- Brandon Jackson could make Hardesty a cut candidate
- Lewis and Bess ran great option routes, see the Sproles comparison and Welker in Bess, leading to the Lewis touchdown.
2nd Defensive Series
- Starters still in
- Buster Skrine recovered the fumble in Rams first Offensive series, then jumped route well there
- Blitzs aren’t getting there but causing trouble
Punt Return
- Travis Benjamin – Josh Cribbs who? I kid (sort of). Benjamin is really fast and blocking was solid.
3rd Defensive Series
- Billy Winn continuing showing big guy who can run just like Horton wants
- Trevon Wade got beat big, but looks like there should have been safety help?
- STL had starters in, Browns backups, showed in run game
3rd Offensive Series
- Jason Campbell is in
- Veteran QB led team out from an early hole after short kickoff return and penalty
- Offense seems generally more dynamic, crisp and quick compared to last year.
- 2 field goals is too reminiscent to Shurmur ball of years past
- Shane Graham makes 41 yarder, good for his battle with the rookie, and crushed the kickoff following
4th Defensive Series
- Veteran Quentin Groves looked quick off the edge
- Backup front 7 struggling against the run
- Should of given up a first down, WR dropped a high pass. Blitz could of impacted
4th Offensive Series
- OLine unable to open holes all night, 1st and 2nd unit
- Line barely moved at snap on 3rd down sack
- 1st punt wasn’t great, K and P up in the air this year.
5th Defensive Series
- 2 minute drill
- Good job not getting off the RB on first play, letting the clock run
- Barkevious Mingo getting good pressure on QB, no sacks yet
- Then Mingo gets first sack, though flag wiped out the official snap
- Pressure and coverage led to scramble
So far so good. What did you see good? What concerns did you see?