What Cleveland fans are looking for vs Denver

So, I’ve mentioned what I’m looking forward to in tonight’s game vs Cleveland, but what do Cleveland fans expect to see this evening?

For one thing they also see this game as an important one for there starters, especially on offense where their 1st teamer’s are still hunting for their first preseason TD. Here’s a list of what I’ve been hearing Brown’s fans talk about coming into the game vs Denver…

Quarterback focus – Charlie Frye had a bad game last week, and this game is viewed as his last chance to give the coaches (and fans) a reason to keep him under center. Derek Anderson will take over the 2nd Team offense after Frye, and no announcement has been made to whether Brady Quinn will get to hit the field yet. Like Denver’s O-line, Cleveland is missing a offensive guard (Eric Steinbach) and they will be also be without their Fullback, Lawrence Vickers. The lack of their starting FB, might mean more passing which would pit Cleveland’s WR against Champ and Bly.

Pressure Cutler and Stop the Run – Cleveland fans have been lighting up their forums talking about two things, Cutler and Denver’s running game. Cleveland did a terrible job last year versus the run, but this off-season they’ve really worked on their D-line and it’s shown in their first two preseason games. This week, with Henry out, Brown’s fans are expecting their D-line to stop the Denver RB’s while putting pressure on our young QB. Watch out for #95 (Kamerion Wimbley) who lead their team last year with 11 sacks.

WR’s Debut Night – Just as we will have Brandon Stokley in action for the first time this preseason, Cleveland’s fight for that #3 WR spot will heat up as WR Tim Carter will make his preseason debut. Joshua Cribbs and Travis Wilson are still battling for that spot as well, so there should be good WR position battles on both sides of the ball tonight!

Jamal Lewis – Jamal Lewis had his longest run (15 yards) this preseason in game one, but was much less impressive last week when he gained only 28 yards on 7 attempts (4yrd average). This week, with the 1st Team in for about half the game, the Brown’s are looking to see Lewis rebound (especially if Denver’s run defense is as bad as it has been this preseason).

Keeping the ‘Special’ in Special Teams – With many players fighting to keep a roster spot after Tuesday’s cuts, expect Cleveland’s special teams to be filled with eager, high-energy players. Even with ST star Mason Unck out last week, Chris Barclay had an 88 yard touchdown return. While the Broncos are still looking for the ‘special’ in their special teams, the Browns will be trying to keep it ‘special.’

Players on the Bubble – Several of Cleveland’s backup players need good games tonight in order to avoid getting cut Tuesday. According to Cleveland fans, some of those players include: WR Steve Sanders, safeties Mike Adams and Justin Hamilton, cornerbacks Brandon McDonald, Jereme Perry and Therrian Fontenot, and linebackers David McMillan, Jason Short and Kris Griffin.

Familar Faces – Ex-Browns currently on Bronco’s team include: WR Quincy Morgan, D-linemen Kenard Lang, Amon Gordon and Alvin McKinley, TE/OT Chad Mustard and (I had forgotten this) backup QB Darrell Hackney.

-Jonathan Douglas
–BroncoTalk.net