How Do Your Browns Look So Far?

After two preseason games, we are starting to get a feel for what to expect from our 2011 Cleveland Browns. The team, under the direction of Pat Schurmur, appears to be a lot looser than when Eric Mangini was the head coach.

One issue for the team will be depth at some of the positions. This has been evident in the two preseason games so far. 

Quarterback:  Colt McCoy has demonstrated a strong grasp of the offensive philosophy.  When Colt was drafted the talk was he would be most successful in a West Coast Offense, and this is proving true. He is going through his reads and finding the open receiver. A successful WCO quarterback should complete 65 percent of his passes.

Seneca Wallace is a solid backup and Jarrett Brown fills the role as the developmental QB. There is a chance that if a young QB is cut that Heckert and Holmgren like, Brown could be replaced.

Running Backs: This unit could be strong if they stay healthy. Peyton Hillis is a beast and will be the feature back. He has a slight hamstring pull which has limited his practice time the last week. Brandon Jackson will be a solid back up and is a good receiver out of the backfield. He did suffer a toe injury against the Lions.

The wild card will be Montario Hardesty. He was a high pick last year and was injured. If healthy, he is a fast physical back that will team well with Hillis and Jackson. Owen Marecic is a rookie fullback that has blocked OK, but dropped a couple of passes. The jury is out on Marecic.

Tight End: Tight end is probably the most solid position on the team. If he can stay healthy, Evan Moore has the best hands on the team. He is a mismatch against DB’s. The catch he made against the Lions is one of the best you will see all year. His big knock is the ability to stay healthy, which also showed against the Lions.

Ben Watson is solid as a receiver and probably the best blocking tight end on the team. Jordan Cameron is a rookie that shows pass catching ability. He will probably beat out Alex Smith for the third tight end. 

Wide Receivers: This group has potential, but until they show they can get the job done in the regular season it remains that, potential. Brian Robiskie has not shown the ability to get open on a consistent basis. The Browns are trying to line him up outside, where I see him as more of a slot receiver.

Greg Little looks like he may be a find. He is making plays in the preseason. He is fast and physical. Little could be the guys we need outside. Josh Cribbs has been doing well when working out of the slot. He is a guy who also has a hard time getting open consistently when put on the outside.

Mohamed Massaquoi has been hurt all of training camp. During the offseason he worked out with some of the elite NFL receivers, such as Larry Fitzgerald. The hope is that he becomes that outside speed guy to make some big plays. The back ups will come from the group of Jordan Norwood, Carlton Mitchell, Demetrius Williams or Jonathan Haggerty .  Of the group, Norwood looks to be the most consistent.  Mitchell has been hampered by a broken finger. I think the Browns could add a veteran receiver when roster cuts are made.

Offensive Line: Another strong group on the team, anchored by Pro Bowler, Joe Thomas. Center Alex Mack is also in the top 5 or 6 at his position in the NFL. Eric Steinbach the LG remains solid at his spot, but is suffering from some back issues.  At 31 years old his body has a lot of wear and tear.  The right side of the line will be Sean Lauvao at guard and Tony Pashos at tackle.

If these guys stay healthy they could open some holes in the running game. Both guys are big and physical. Pashos has shown an inability to stay healthy in the NFL. Billy Yates surprise retirement causes a bit of concern. He was to be the main back up at center and possibly guard.

The backups will be, Brandon Braxton, Steve Vallos, John Greco  and Jason Pinkston. 

The defense is a little harder to grade right now. One thing for sure is that the defense lacks depth. Hopefully the players will get healthy this week and be able to go against the Eagles. Missing significant time so far has been Chris Gocong, Scott Fujita, T.J. Ward, Usama Young. Typically the third preseason game is your dress rehearsal and gives you a good read on what the team will do.  WE will evaluate the defense after the Eagles game. 

Make sure to follow me on twitter at @BrownsAnswerGuy  and GOOOOOOOOOOO Browns!