Saturday was the third preseason game, the so-called dress rehearsal for the regular season. The starters got to play the entire first half, at least, and were on the field for an extended period of time, much more so than any of the previous two games when it was one or two series then out. Romeo was able to get a good, long look at the starters on both sides of the ball, as well as make some decisions on other position battles.
First-team offense
Charlie Frye and the offense looked in mid-season form as they drove down the field for a touchdown in the opening drive. After that, however, the first-teamers looked average the rest of the way. Above all else, they left injury-free.
Braylon sighting
Not only did wide receiver Braylon Edwards make his first return to game action since last season, he made his presence felt. Edwards caught a 9-yard Frye pass in traffic near the goal-line on the first drive of the game. I, for one, held my breath as three Bill defenders gangtackled him to the turf but exhaled moments later as Edwards sprung up and spun the ball on the ground in excitement.
Braylon also displayed his blocking skills when he laid out a defender in an effort to free Reuben Droughns on a running play. He’s been saying all along that he’s ready to play and after Saturday’s game, should we really doubt him anymore? Forget just getting in the game and getting his feet wet. Edwards played like he hasn’t missed a beat and a September 10 debut seems to be in the cards for the wide receiver.
Reggie who?
Former USC and current New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush may have won the Heisman and went number two overall, but the Browns may have found a diamond in the rough in rookie running back Jerome Harrison. The scat back out of Washington State once again showed his quick feet and elusiveness in Saturday ‘s win. Harrison rushed for 70 yards on 9 carries and pulled a Bush-like run on a change of direction play in the fourth quarter. Harrison has joked before about being just as good as Reggie, but he sure is backing himself up on the field with his nifty running style. The Browns might as well give Harrison the third down back spot now and cut ties with Lee Suggs for good.
Anderson #2?
Romeo needs to make a decision on the backup QB spot and Derek Andeson may have won that battle with his performance in Game 3 of the preseason. The strong-armed quarterback did some good things and showed some good poise, leading his team on the game-winning drive in a two-minute situation. Dorsey did OK but wasn’t that impressive for the third game in a row.
Jones v. Pool
This should be interesting. Pool had 5 tackles on the night. While he failed to record a tackle, Sean Jones made a nice closing hit on a Bills receiver in the first half which prevented the receiver from holding on to the ball. Jones had the edge going into the game and the battle will be something to keep an eye on in the near future.
