Unsolicited Observations: Johnny Manziel’s First Game In the Books, Cleveland Browns Lose Preseason Opener to Detroit Lions

Aug 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) makes a catch while being tackled by Cleveland Browns strong safety Donte Whitner (31) during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Donte “Hitner” Whitner showed why he earned his nickname when he lowered his shoulder into running back Theo Riddick.

• MarQueis Gray is so versatile, he could be a stud in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Gray, who played quarterback at the University of Minnesota, pulled in 2 balls for 51 yards. We know he can block, we know he can run. If he can consistently catch, lookout for Gray.

• I wish Connor Shaw would’ve quarterbacked the final drive. There’s enough tape on Tyler Thigpen in film rooms across the league that the Browns know what they have in him. Shaw’s an unknown, and a chance to lead the two minute drill with the game on the line would have shown us what the rookie from South Carolina is made of.

• Hearing Jim Donovan on the TV broadcast wasn’t the same without Bernie Kosar. Kosar takes a ton of flack for his speech, but his football intelligence is off the charts. After certain plays, I couldn’t help but wonder: “What would Bernie say about that?”