Sunday, August 26, 2007

Browns 17 Broncos 16 (Preseason)


It's not often that I get to see Cleveland play on TV, so last night's pre-season game in Denver was a treat. The Browns beat the Broncos in that kinda, sorta, but not really way you do in the exhibition games. More importantly, the Browns looked like an actual football team for much longer stretches than I'm used to. They'll probably go 4-12 this year, but it will be a positive 4 and 12. Like the Colts in Manning's first year (1998).

The good:
  • RB, Jamal Lewis is still the real deal.
  • QB, Charlie Frye played very well.
  • LB, D'Qwell Jackson was fierce.
  • QB, Brady Quinn is ready to play.
The bad:
  • QB, Derek Anderson was underwhelming.
  • Run Defense did not close the gaps very well.
  • Pass Defense looks leaky. Lots of guys were either poorly covered, or were able to run free underneath the zone.
  • Pass Rush seemed non-existent at times.
As for the home team Broncos, it's not clear that they are really going to be able to challenge for the AFC West this year. I'm not a big Jay Cutler fan, and the defense didn't play with a lot of fire. Perhaps everyone's just waiting for the season to start. It was great to see Colorado State's own Cecil Sapp out there challenging for a starting position. And Selvin Young, the rookie from Texas, looks like a keeper.