Browns: 2015 Preseason Review Part 2: WRs, TEs, OL

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Offensive Line

They say that football is a game that’s won in the trenches. If that’s truly the case, the Cleveland Browns should have one of the best offenses in the NFL right? Okay, well it takes a bit more than winning the battles in the trenches, but the Browns do boast one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. With Pro Bowl LT Joe Thomas and C Alex Mack returning from injury to anchor the line, DeFilippo and Pettine will rely on the offensive line to guide the offense.

The success of QB Josh McCown will depend on the line to keep him upright and give him enough time to throw the ball. The success of the running game with depend on the line’s ability to create holes for the running backs to make it into the second level of defenders.

The good new for both is that the 2015 Browns offensive line should be the best Browns fans have seen yet. Thomas is still in his prime, Mack is back and healthy while Joel Bitonio, John Greco, Mitchell Schwartz, and rookie first round pick Cameron Erving solidifies the line around them.

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Bitonio came into his own at guard last season. The second round pick will be entering his second season in the NFL, and after borderline Pro Bowl level play, Bitonio stands to only get better. For Browns fans that means more open holes to run through, better passing lanes, and more protection for McCown. Then throw in recently drafted rookie Irving’s versatility to play any position on the line, Pettine and DeFilippo will find ways to keep old veterans like Thomas, Mack, and Greco fresh. Hopefully that helps to prevent breakdowns like what occurred towards the end of last season after Mack went down.

What do we need to see from the offensive line in preseason game number three or even the rest of the preseason? They need to continue to gel. The more time these guys get to play together the better they will be on game day. That said, there’s no reason to wear down Thomas or push Mack. If the starters play the first half of tonight’s game then start being relived in the 3rd quarter that’s okay. For this group of guys it’ll be about the long haul not the short-term.

Are there any surprises or rookies that have stood out? No, not really. Often times it’s hard to stand out as a second or third string offensive linemen in the preseason. The only player I expected more to see more from is G Michael Bowie.

As a former starter during the Seattle Seahawks 2013 championship run, I thought Bowie might solidify one of the starting guard positions. However, he has struggled in camp so far and in both of the first two preseason games. He needs to have a good third preseason game if he expects to have any potential to earn a starting position, but more than likely he will end up as a reserve going into the regular season.

Next: Summary And What's Next?

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