Browns Preseason: 6 performances we really liked, 3 we didn’t
By Chad Porto
Liked
Johnny Stanton
Johnny Stanton stole the show in the fourth quarter. He only rushed for 12 yards but as previously mentioned here and elsewhere, the offensive line wasn’t very good against the run. No one ran all that well but Stanton did have the longest run of the night. He had 26 yards overall and did a lot of work as a single back in the backfield. He’s as tall as a tight end (a shorter tight end), as big of a fullback, and has shown the ability to catch and run with the ball. Forget cutting Andy Janovich or Stephen Carlson, Stanton may be taking D’Ernest Johnson’s job.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
You have to give it to Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, as he lived up to the hype, at least against the Jaguars. The hope is that he has eight tackles, with three for a loss, and one sack every game, but that would be wishful thinking. If he can do that at least half the time, however, he’ll be among the best linebackers thatt the team has had in some time.
Richard LeCounte III
What was said about Owusu-Koramoah counts for Richard LeCounte III. A fellow rookie, LeCounte had two tackles, a sack, and an interception and very easily could’ve had a second on the day but he dropped the first. An encouraging first step for this crop of rookies.
Ryan Switzer
Ryan Switzer only had two catches for 12 yards, but he also snuck in for a touchdown as well. He’s someone who has incredible speed and can create space in the open field. He should be the returner of the team but the Browns seem content on sticking with JoJo “Sideline to Sideline” Natson.
Sheldon Day
Sheldon Day and by proxy Porter Gustin, both had good games, but Gustin seems a lock to come into the season as a backup to Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney while Day is competing for a starting spot and he may have just earned it after his two tackle, one sack performance against the Jaguars number one offensive line.
Kyle Lauletta
Who knew Kyle Lauletta was so good…against the Jaguars’ third team. Lauletta had a good outing, 19-27 for 212 yards and two touchdowns. He was a bit more accurate than Case Keenum, who we’ll get to in a second. Lauletta sort of showed why the coaching staff has so much faith in him.