CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Get ready for the Hall of Fame Game, part II.
Following two joint practices in Philadelphia, the Browns will treat Thursday night’s game against the Eagles the same way they did the preseason opener against the Jets – the starters and key role players get the night off.
Here’s what we will be watching for.
Cade York. York has been perfect in practice, but the problem is he has missed both field goal tries this preseason – 49 yards in Canton and 46 last week at home. They were not challenging kicks – not for someone with his leg strength. Fans want another kicker brought in ASAP but that won’t happen until August 30, a day after cutdown day – if at all. It’s critical that York try a couple of field goals Thursday night and that he makes them.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson has been impressive and if it were not for Josh Dobbs’ fully guaranteed $2 million contract, the rookie would be in the backup QB conversation. DTR, who will start against the Eagles, has been impressive in two preseason games completing 81% of his passes for 184 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He’s played so well that trying to sneak him through waivers on the 29th might be impossible. Another strong showing could force the Browns to keep a third QB on the active 53.
Demetric Felton and John Kelly haven’t done much to separate themselves in the third running back competition. Neither one was able to punch it in from the 1 last week against the Commanders. Felton is averaging 5.1 yards per carry while Kelly holds a 3.0 yards per carry average this preseason. Felton’s return ability gives him a leg up but hasn’t won him the job.
The Browns have reached a point where all starting jobs and most key reserve roles are already spoken for. Most of the jobs that are likely up for grabs are for roster spots 40-53, which makes the last two preseason games critical for bubble players. Defensively, rookie cornerback Cameron Mitchell has flashed as has undrafted free agent Ronnie Hickman, who had two interceptions last week. Watch fourth round pick Isaiah McGuire at defensive end too after injuries at the position opened the door for him to potentially make the initial 53-man roster.
