Three Questions for Browns on Saturday
The Cleveland Browns are set to travel to Kansas City today to take on the reigning Super Bowl champs tomorrow in the preseason finale. There have been many answers delivered by the team so far in training camp and preseason. I do have a few final questions that I’d like to see answered during the game on Saturday.
1. Can the offensive line give Watson plenty of time to throw?
In Watsons first game of the preseason against Washington, he was forced to step up and escape the rush on too many of his drop backs. There were also reports out of Philadelphia about the offensive line not looking great. Eagles defenders were able to apply pressure at ease and even make contact with the quarterback.
I want to see Watson read the field from the pocket and be able to put his arm talent on display by connecting with receivers down the field. If Conklin isn’t playing tomorrow, I will be paying close attention to who is in with the ones at right tackle. In my opinion, rookie Dawand Jones has earned the spot and I’m not too comfortable with what I have seen from James Hudson to this point.
2. Can York make every kick?
Every single kick that CadeYork attempts tomorrow will be significant for his chances to make the team. In my opinion he has to be perfect to avoid being cut from the team.
The Browns have said and done all of the right things to this point so far. If he misses another makeable field goal or extra point, the team would be forced to finding his replacement prior to week-1.
3. Can Grant or Darden make a case for roster?
We haven’t seen either receiver to this point. Grant has been slowly working his way back from his ruptured achilles suffered last year and Darden pulled a hamstring early in camp that has kept him out.
Both have been ramping up activity over the last week and it appears the time is now or never to do something on the field. Austin Watkins Jr. may have already sealed both of their fates with his production. If either can flash something in the return game, however, maybe they can make the decision tougher on Andrew Berry.
Darden could certainly help to provide a deep threat until Marquise Goodwin is available to return for the passing game. Both Grant and Darden are likely practice squad candidates and could be called up to play a role early in the season.
