Nothing excites me more about the preseason than when it’s over!
But, before we “start with the good stuff,” we’d be remiss if we didn’t at least recap those four miserable excuses for entertainment. For efficiency purposes, I will combine my likes/dislikes for each game (that way, you only have to read one post to get it all), as well as my overall preseason grade.
So, let’s get down to business …
Preseason Game 1 – Browns 27, Packers 17
Offensively and defensively, the Browns looked pretty good in this first showing. Though it was only preseason, they kept their streak alive of beating the reigning Super Bowl champions. I was impressed with how efficient Colt McCoy ran the offense and was excited to see more.
What I Liked:
- Bernie Kosar in the booth – How does he not have a big time analyst job yet? Isn’t anyone from the networks watching? I love the way he breaks down a play as it’s happening … he gives the viewers such great insight into the mechanics of the game and what the QB is seeing (or, should be seeing) in real time. Plus, he provides great unintentional comic relief at times! Bernie in the booth is win-win!
- Colt McCoy – He took the Browns to impressive touchdown drives on two of his drives, completed nine of 10 passes for 135 yards. Very nice.
- Josh Cribbs – He looked impressive at wide receiver. Cribbs scored the Browns’ first touchdown on a 27-yard pass play from McCoy. About time he started earning some of that money.
- Backups – Not to diminish the “win,” but here’s an example why the preseason isn’t a good indication of how well the team really is. The cornerback Cribbs beat on the TD play was Pat Lee, normally a backup, but pressed into a starting duty because Packers coach Mike McCarthy gave 14-year veteran Charles Woodson the night off.
What I Liked:
- Colt McCoy – The QB looked good again leading the offense. He threw two touchdown passes to Evan Moore and another to Greg Little.
- Tight Ends – Ben Watson, Evan Moore, Jordan Cameron and Alex Smith … great targets for Colt McCoy.
- Losing – I know it’s only the preseason, but I really hated to see Cleveland lose the Lake Erie Cup to those bastards in Detroit.
What I Liked:
- Phil Taylor – The rookie from Baylor was disruptive against the Eagles. Defensive tackles don’t generally rip through the opposing offensive line the way Taylor did, but he simply manhandled Eagles rookie center Jason Kelce.
- D’Qwell Jackson – The linebacker shot through the line of scrimmage untouched and laid out Michael Vick with a perfectly clean hit as he released the ball of an interception. It was a monster hit and one which Vick deserves more of.
What I Didn’t Like:
- Bad Call – Jackson’s hit on Vick was flagged for roughing the passer. It was a BS call. As Bernie Kosar said, D’Qwell can’t help it if no one blocks him.
- Michael Vick – The dog killer led three Eagle scoring drives. Booo! We all hate you, Michael Vick! Don’t let it go to your head … it was only preseason.
Preseason Game 4 – Bears 24, Browns 14
What I Liked:
- Last Game – Umm, the only thing I can come up with is that it was the last game. I liked that it signaled the end of the preseason. The starters didn’t play and the Browns lost. What’s to like?
- No Starters –I couldn’t care less about the final preseason game. I know there are a lot of guys playing their hearts out just to make the practice squad, but I don’t really care. The fact that it was televised and those who attended had to pay as much for a ticket as they would for a regular season game is a travesty.
Oh yeah, my grades … Hmm, giving out grades for the preseason would be like giving out grades for a practice study test. What’s the point? But, I promised grades, so here it goes …
- Offense – B+
- Defense – B-
- Special Teams – Incomplete (Cribbs did not play ST)
- Coaching Staff – S (for satisfactory)
Rocco the Blawg Pound Mascot says: |
 | "Let's play some football! I'm ready for the real thing!" |
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