The Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears are entering into their pre-season finale game. Both teams announced earlier in the week that their respective starters will see field action. For the Cleveland Browns, this will be the first time some starters are playing this pre-season. Jacoby Brissett will make his anticipated debut for the Browns. We will take a look at a few critical components of the game.
Offense
As shown above the starters for both teams will play Saturday night in Cleveland. Jacoby Brissett will start in the final preseason game. However, this is his first action of the off-season, and playing in a new offense. Albeit Brissett has been around the NFL this will be his first time running this type of offense. Will Kevin Stefanski allow the quarterback to throw the ball down the field? In addition, we would like to see the growth and development of the wide receiver room. Outside of Amari Cooper will the receivers prove to be sufficient? The final question is how much will the starters actually play Saturday night?
Defense
Equally important to the offense will be the defense. The growth of the defense going into the season might be the most important. Especially with Deshaun Watson being suspended for 11 games this year. The game plan might be the same each week for 11 games, which is to run the ball and control the clock and play top-5 defense to allow the team to compete. Interior Defense line play will be vital for the overall defensive success. Should the Browns add a veteran presence quickly before the season starts or go with a rotation and allow the young players to grow? Finally, wIll Martin Emerson continues to impress this off-season.
Special Teams
Fourth-round pick Cade York has highly impressed this off-season. Having made kicks from 60 yards and less he has impressed the entire Browns organization. Albeit his long-range kicks have all been in practice, the team is looking for consistency at the position. After that, the focus then turns to who will be the full-time kick returner and punt returner. Jakeem Grant suffered an Achilles injury that will sideline him for the season. Special teams coordinator Mike Prefeir has been with the Browns for a while. For this reason, it may be time to shake things up there. Special teams have been a concern for a while now and it might be time for fresh blood to adjust things.
Chicago Bears
Justin Fileds heading into his second season as the starting quarterback the Bears are looking for growth at the position. New head coach Matt Eberflus is in his 1st season with the Bears. He will look to begin his tenure in the right direction. Eberflus will look to simulate a game week for his team and look for better execution during the final preseason game.
Conclusion
After an all-but-normal off-season for the Browns, it comes to an end Saturday night in Cleveland. Jacoby Brissett will start as the world can get a first look at him under center. In addition the flow of the offense and how the team as a whole looks going into the season. Myles Garrett will look to begin making his statement as the best defensive player in the NFL. Finally, what rookies will continue to step up and make a major impact on this team?
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