CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The Browns host their lone game of the preseason against the Commanders at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
From head coach Kevin Stefanski’s perspective, this is preseason game No. 1, not 2.
Here’s a look at a few things we will be watching for Friday night.
1. First team offense – Deshaun Watson has looked sharp and more comfortable within the offense during training camp coming off an uneven six-game debut in 2022. Watson and most offensive starters are scheduled to play a set number of plays – we are guessing 10-15 or if they march down the field on a 10-play scoring drive. Will Watson show he has shaken off the rust from a year ago? All four quarterbacks will play against Washington. Will Dorian Thompson-Robinson be as impressive this week as he was against the Jets?
2. Kicker Cade York has been successful in pressure situations during camp. In fact, he hasn’t missed a kick when being rushed onto the field in a simulated late game situation, but he missed a 49-yard field goal and barely made three PATs in the Hall of Fame Game. It’s critical that York to make his kicks Friday night or else the Browns will need to bring in competition. With so much at stake this season, there’s no way they can afford to have their fate resting on an unreliable kicker that missed eight field goals as a rookie.
3. The No. 3 RB position is up for grabs. Even with Jerome Ford banged up with a hamstring injury, he is set to operate behind Nick Chubb come Week 1. Demetric Felton, John Kelly and Hassan Hall are competing for a roster spot.
4. Defensive end depth is now an issue after backups Isaiah Thomas and Alex Wright underwent knee surgeries this week that will likely keep them idle until early in the season. Earlier this week the Browns signed Chuck Wiley for depth, but fourth round pick Isaiah McGuire enters the conversation, and all eyes are on him to see if he’s ready to jump in the fray.
5. Fourth round pick Dawand Jones went from struggling to complete a rep in rookie minicamp to playing all 74 offensive snaps at right tackle without allowing a single pressure – that is according to Pro Football Focus. This week, Jones’ position coach Bill Callahan complimented the rookie but also stressed there is plenty of room for improvement. Will we see enough of that from him to where he earns a backup role this season?
