Cleveland Browns: A lot to like but still too early in the preseason

A wide range of thoughts and emotions were expressed Thursday night during and following the 2017 Cleveland Browns’ preseason debut.

For the first time during the 2017 preseason, fans saw the Cleveland Browns compete against an opposing team. Yes, the New Orleans Saints didn’t play their quarterback Drew Brees, but the Browns didn’t play left tackle Joe Thomas either. Why, because both should rest.

They have nothing to prove and will one day be hall of famers.

That said, there was a lot to take in, both good and bad from Thursday.

First, the good. Defensive end Myles Garrett is going to be special. Thomas and many other Browns’ personnel have been talking up the first overall pick for a while now.

Defensive lineman Nate Orchard is back to the position he excelled at the most. From the moment he stepped onto the field, Orchard was in the backfield and/or near the ball. Cornerback Briean Boddy-Calhoun also made an impact too.

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Overall, you could just tell that the defense is following to a T defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ mindset and approach to the game. The defense is going to be very exciting watch going froward. Now, one may argue that it was just one game.

That is true, but the building blocks have been added each year and fans saw glimpses of it every so often in the past. Now, Cleveland has a coach that can take them to another level.

The bad, well, let’s just say falls mainly on two different positions: Tackle and quarterback.

Since Thomas did not play, Cleveland needed to start someone. That player turned out to be Cameron Erving. He has already been moved from guard and center and still has yet to find a home along the line. Well, that was a mistake.

Between falling down in from the defensive linemen and being multiple steps behind in his protection scheme to committing penalties, Erving’s play was horrific to watch. If he was not at the top of the cut list already, he should be now and that is an understatement.

Fellow tackle Shon Coleman was that much better. Both are very flawed and both cannot start. Barring a signing, Coleman is going to start. Hopefully when that news becomes reality, it is just for 2017.

As far as the quarterbacks are concerned, Cleveland didn’t have a choice but to start Brock Osweiler. Unfortunately, his lack of preparation and limited reps with the first team showed up in his play.

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Osweiler was missing reads, his progressions were not as fast as one would like, and never seemed like he had consistent control over the offense.

Cody Kessler is a work in progress and would have benefited from more snaps. That did not happen though. He locks onto his receivers too soon, does not go through the progressions quickly, and the ball release needs a lot of work.

The excitement at the quarterback started and ended with rookie DeShone Kizer. From his laser of an arm to his ability to work under pressure and do well was impressive. He did face the third team defense, but then again, Kizer was quarterbacking the third team offense.

Though the two touchdown passes were nice to watch, at times, Kizer held onto the ball too long. Plus, I wished he was under center more. In time that will come. Thursday was all about giving Kizer a chance to get used to what a NFL game atmosphere is all about.

Kizer has the tools to be successful. He is not in as bad of shape as others, but there are plenty of aspects to his game worth improving on. From calling the plays right to adjusting protections(calls in general) prior to snapping of the ball, and knowing how to adjust when and how to throw the ball to reduce some of the poorer ball placements are specific areas of need.

I want to see Kizer as much as most of you do. Yet, one half in the first preseason game does not mean Kizer deserves to start right now. Do you want him to become like any of the past quarterbacks who have shown some promise but was put into the fire too early and failed?

I hope not. Let him learn as a rookie and if needed (assuming he shows enough progression) then start him later in the regular season.

There are still three more preseason games. Plenty of things could be fixed with the quarterbacks. Who knows what the depth chart will be following each week. That position battle is far from over. Kizer could end up showing even more promise sooner rather than later. Osweiler could improve too. Don’t forget Kessler as well, but he seems destined to be QB3.

The offensive line will be greatly improved, but there is no more help available for Erving. He is a lost cause and is getting worst after every game.

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Coleman is simply the stop-gap solution at right tackle until they can find an above average talent. In the meantime, fans can focus on the other four talented offensive linemen.

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