The NFL is often considered a small world and that is indeed the case when
the Browns take on the Bills Saturday. There are many familiar faces on the
Bills roster, which Browns fans are sure to recognize. The Bills have four
former Ohio St. Buckeyes on their roster, including rookie defensive backs,
Dante Whitner and Ashton Youboty and also veteran corner, Nate Clements and
defensive tackle Tim Anderson. Three former starters for the Browns have also
made their way to Buffalo. Quarterback Kelly Holcomb is knee deep in yet another
quarterback controversy. Melvin Fowler has taken on the role of starting center
and the Browns former number one receiver Andre Davis is battling to make the
roster.
The third preseason game is by all intensive purposes the measuring stick for
what to expect during the regular season. The starters will normally play into
the third quarter. Teams add more to their offensive and defensive playbooks.
They will also look to improve upon mistakes made during the first two preseason
games. With roster cuts also just around the corner, those bubble player must
make the most of their limited opportunity in this game.
Bills Offense
The Buffalo Bills new head coach, Dick Jauron, is giving former first round
pick JP Losman every opportunity to become the general of his offense. Losman
has shown flashes of brilliance in preseason with his speed and mobility and
also a propensity to stretch the defense with good arm strength and accuracy. JP
has struggled however. JP has a tendency to under throw the short to mid-range
pass and also fails to secure the ball when pressured by the defense. JP does
possess numerous weapons that should aide him, through his growing pains at
quarterback.
One of those weapons is running back Willis McGahee. Willis looks poised to
have a breakout year. He is faster than at any time during his career. He is
quicker into his cuts and he looks even more powerful especially in the lower
body. He is simply punishing defenders with his power and also leaving them
grasping at air as he has shown the speed to take it the distance. Willis will
provide an excellent test for the Browns defense.
The transition from college receiver to NFL receiver takes time and it is
often frustrating as receivers learn the complicated schemes, adjust to the size
and speed of NFL defensive backs. This has been especially true for Lee Evans,
as he has improved each year but has yet to take that final step to becoming an
elite receiver. Lee is showing better hand usage at defeating the jam and he
appears more fluent in his route running. Lee is showing excellent separation and is a threat to take it the
distance anytime he touches the ball.
The Bills offensive line is opening lanes for the running game but their pass
protection simply is not there yet. This group is a physical line that is made
for running the ball. They will look to wear opponents down over the course of
the game by doing just that. The question mark of this group is left tackle Mike Gandy. Mike will often become to vertical in his stance which will allow the
quick defender to get beneath his pad level and can force him off balance.
Bills Defense
The Bills have made the switch in scheme to a variation of the Tampa 2. They
rely on quick penetration from their front 4, while everyone else is placed into
zone coverage. This will be the second straight week the Browns will have seen
the Tampa 2 cover scheme.
The front 4 is vital for the scheme to work. They must get enough pressure to
make the quarterback throw to the hot route. This however is a two sided coin as
the Bills have gone to smaller, quick defenders that play the gaps but now they
also lack the size in the middle to physically dominate with power and strength.
This has been the key to the potent Bills defense of the past. Look for rookie
defensive tackle, John McCargo to receive a great deal of playing time, as he is
a perfect fit for this defense.
The Bills linebackers are built for speed, as they run to the ball and become
very dependent upon the quick read and react. They are led by pro bowl
linebacker Takeo Spikes. He is recovering from injury but should play in
Saturday’s game.
The bills secondary is loaded in talent.
Corner Nate Clements is emerging as one of the leagues best young corners. He
has tremendous one on one cover skills and he has also shown improvement each
year in both zone coverage and making the open field tackle. Terrence McGee is
the penciled in starter opposite of Clements but rookie Ashton Youboty could
move into a starting role sooner rather than later.
At safety, rookie Donte Whitner is emerging as one of those hard hitting
safeties that will punish any receiver. Donte remains number two at the strong
safety position but expect Donte to receive a tremendous amount of playing time
as he is being groomed for a starting role.
At free safety Troy Vincent is solid as always. He fits well into this type
of defense. Troy is excellent in deep
over the top coverage. He is also one of those thinking safeties that can
quickly decipher the offense.
Browns offense
The Browns passing attack has been virtually nonexistent in their first two
outings. Uncertainty with the offensive line is a major reason for the limited
play calling with the starters, but at some point, you simply have to find out
what you have. This may be the week to answer that very question.
As for the backup quarterback position, none of the Browns backup
quarterbacks have shown enough in camp and preseason to secure a spot with an
NFLE team. Vinny Testaverde must remain an option. Recent Cowboys’ castoff, Drew Henson would be an upgrade at this point.
Charlie Frye must be given an opportunity to showcase his skills and become
comfortable with his new receivers in a game atmosphere. Joe Jurevicius and Kellen Winslow Jr. are two huge weapons for this offense
but neither weapon has been showcased with this starting unit. The league is
full of small defensive backs and the size and hands of this duo can be a vital
weapon but only if the ball is thrown their way. Charlie must learn to locate
those weapons quickly and trust them to break the tackle. He also must improve
in feeling the pressure from the outside. Charlie has the mobility to escape but
that fine art of knowing when to step up isn’t quiet there yet.
Receiver Braylon Edwards remains a possibility for Saturday’s game. Edwards
is progressing at a rapid rate but don’t expect more than one or two token plays
for the former number three overall pick. Even in those plays, it isn’t likely
that his number will be called as a true receiving option.
The one positive, amongst all the uncertainty on offense, is the running
game. Reuben Droughns has simply been sensational. Reuben appears to be faster
than at any time in his career. He is fluid in his cuts, showing much improved
balance. Reuben still possesses the ability to run over opponents but now he has
the ability to make them miss. This will go a long way in keeping Reuben fresh
as will the emergence of rookie backs Jerome Harrison Lawrence Vickers.
Jerome has been special this preseason showing tremendous speed and balance.
He is also becoming a dynamic threat in the passing game. Lawrence may be a full
back but all signs point to him developing into the team’s short yardage back.
Lawrence is also showing excellent
hands as a receiving threat. These two rookies could have a greater impact than
anyone imagined.
Browns Defense
The Browns starters have simply been amazing, thus far in preseason. In fact
the only liability to be found out of the starting unit is the play of the
corner position opposite Leigh Bodden. This should improve once Gary Baxter and
Daylon McCutheon recovery from their injuries.
The one positive from this injury it has given the backup corners a chance to
showcase their skills or lack there of. None of these backup corners have shown
enough to earn a roster spot. In fact expect the Browns to hit the waiver wire
hard next week, as they look to bolster the depth at corner. Aug. 29 rosters are
reduced to 75 and Sept. 3rd rosters are cut to the final 53.
The Browns front seven has been stellar, thanks in large part to veterans Ted Washington and Orpheus Roye. Ted is completely sealing the middle and allowing
the linebackers to make plays, while Roye has taken off right where he left off
last year. He is outworking everyone on the field and setting a high standard
for the young players on this defense.
The linebackers seem to improve with each passing day. This becomes even more
remarkable when you consider Willie McGinnest has been recovering from elbow
surgery. In his place, the Browns have found two emerging talents. Nate McMillan and rookie Kamerion Wimbley are
providing a solid pass rush. Kamerion was expected to bring that pass rush talent but it’s his transition from defensive end to
linebacker, that has been most impressive. His play versus the run and his
ability to drop into coverage has shown significant improvement. Nate has also
shown much improvement in those areas.
The inside backers have been equally impressive. Andra Davis showed the most
improvement from week 1 to week 2. He was both aggressive in filling the gaps
and also more disciplined in not abandoning those gaps. This may be due to the
trust factor developing with rookie D’Qwell Jackson. Jackson has completely shut
down the run to his side of the field, which is allowing Andra the luxury of not
cheating over in run support. Jackson now must improve upon his pass coverage.
Overview
The Browns will be looking to iron out the wrinkles during this game. This is
the game where penalties should be few and far between. Look for the Browns to
test their offensive passing attack as well as their defensive pass rush this
week. Special teams play should be the deciding factor. Both teams are excellent in this area but the team with the fewest
penalties on special teams will have a decisive advantage.