Browns Starters Make Big Plays, Lack Consistency in Preseason Finale
The Cleveland Browns starters made a number of big plays against the Kansas City Chiefs to round out the preseason. Two interception led to 15 of 22 Browns first quarter points and Deshaun Watson made three terrific throws, but missed passes and some defenses lapses provided plenty for coaches to emphasize coming out of this game.
Watson made an outstanding pass to Donovan Peoples-Jones on the second play of the game for 21 yards before the first of two Jordan Wilkins fumbles. Unless Wilkins is on the team next week, they aren't all that meaningful.
Watson also extended a play with his legs, able to find Cooper down the left sideline for a 53-yard gain. His last pass of the day was corner route to David Njoku for a touchdown. The ball came out on time and was placed in a spot where only Njoku could grab it.
Unfortunately, Watkins also short-hopped a pass attempt to Cooper on 3rd-and-7 later on that would short circuit a drive. It took a Juan Thornhill pick six for the Browns to get on the scoreboard before the offense really got moving.
On the defensive side of the ball, the defensive front without Myles Garrett was overwhelming, able to dominate the line of scrimmage, allowing them to play on the opposing side of the ball consistently.
The biggest beneficiary was Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who was able to fly around freely. He made a tackle behind the line of scrimmage and made a pair of plays in coverage and deflect a pass on a blitz. He showcased his speed and range, seeing the game at a high level.
The Browns also allowed the Chiefs to find holes in the defense and extended drives. After the first Wilkins fumble, the Browns gave up a 3rd-and-13 conversion that kept the drive going. They would eventually hold the Chiefs to a field goal, but those types of plays kept popping up, even against backup quarterback Shane Buechele.
The Browns are going to celebrate the big plays, but they have plenty to clean up with two weeks to prepare for their opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. Joel Bitonio, Nick Chubb and Myles Garrett did not play in the game, which would also make a difference, but the Browns know they have to be more consistent when the games matter.
