With the first 11 practices of Browns training camp in the books, plenty of theories have been developed about the team’s strengths and weaknesses.
Those ideas, though, have yet to be tested in earnest. They will be for the first time when the Browns face the Green Bay Packers in the preseason opener for both teams beginning at 8 p.m. Friday at Lambeau Field.
Of course, there are more reasons for concern than optimism for a rebuilding team coming off a 3-13 season, experimenting with an aggressive youth movement spearheaded by a revamped, analytics-driven front office and learning the schemes of a new coaching staff.
Some of the worries might be alleviated, and some of the hopes might be dashed. Sorting it all out on the way to picking a 53-man roster is the purpose of the preseason.
So consider these variables while watching the Browns play the Packers.
Reason for optimism
Quarterback Robert Griffin III: He performed exceptionally well last week in back-to-back scrimmages, one with live tackling to the ground and another without pads. But can he maintain his momentum against actual opponents who try to hit him? This will be the first time he’s encountered a full-fledged pass rush as a member of the Browns, and coach Hue Jackson has admitted he’s “very” eager to see it. Named the starter on Monday, Griffin has yet to establish himself as a reliable pocket passer, so this trial run could provide clues about whether he has a decent chance to revive his career. Jackson hasn’t disclosed how long he’ll play the starters in Green Bay, but about a quarter is the norm.
Reason for concern
The offensive line: Will a pocket be there for Griffin in the first place? Three-fifths of this unit is established with nine-time Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas and guards Joel Bitonio and John Greco. But center and right tackle remain shaky five months after Alex Mack and Mitchell Schwartz departed in free agency. Center Cam Erving missed three practices last week with an injured left elbow and returned to team drills Tuesday, whereupon he snapped the ball over Griffin’s head twice out of shotgun. Since camp began July 29, three players have practiced as the first-team right tackle: Alvin Bailey, rookie Spencer Drango and Austin Pasztor. It’s been Pasztor in the past three practices, so he’s expected to start in Green Bay.
Reason for optimism
The running backs: Jackson prides himself on employing a balanced offense, so it’s encouraging to see the explosive speed of Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson turning heads in camp. But Jackson didn’t like how the running game functioned in the live scrimmage last week, and much of the blame falls on the offensive line.
Reason for concern
The entire defense: There are major questions at every level. With end Desmond Bryant out for the season because of a torn pectoral muscle, the line is extremely inexperienced and will rely on two second-year starters, nose tackle Danny Shelton and end Xavier Cooper. Among the outside linebackers, Paul Kruger is the only one with double-digit sacks on his resume. There was hope rookie second-round pick Emmanuel Ogbah could complement Kruger as an edge rusher, but the coaches moved him to backup end after Bryant was hurt. Will the inside linebacker tandem of free-agent acquisition Demario Davis and Chris Kirksey, who’s never been a full-time starter, be respectable? The secondary has taken big lumps with cornerback Joe Haden rehabilitating from ankle surgery on March 16. Cornerback Justin Gilbert is still surrendering too many plays, and safeties Ibraheim Campbell and Jordan Poyer have never been full-time starters.
Reason for optimism
The No. 2 tight end: Everyone knows Pro Bowler Gary Barnidge is the starter, but the second tight end is vital in Jackson’s offense. Connor Hamlett has been one of the most pleasant surprises of camp while filling the role.
Reason for concern
The wide receivers: They were a beacon of hope until most of them got hurt. Rookie Corey Coleman and Andrew Hawkins (hamstrings) have been ruled out against the Packers, and it should come as absolutely no surprise if Terrelle Pryor (right calf) were sidelined, too. Josh Gordon (quadriceps) has yet to practice. The silver lining is drafted rookies Ricardo Louis (fourth round), Jordan Payton (fifth) and Rashard Higgins (fifth) should receive ample opportunities to prove their worth. Higgins has been the best of the trio thus far.
Reason for optimism
The coach: Jackson has brought a palpable energy to the team. He’s also delivered the physical camp he promised. Now it would be nice to see all of the live hitting pay off. A bunch of missed tackles would make it feel like a waste.
Reason for concern
The incumbent kicker: Travis Coons made just 3-of-6 field goals Monday. Ostensibly worried about Coons’ confidence, Jackson had him try an extra kick after he went 2-of-5. On a brighter note, Patrick Murray has kicked much better, but this competition is definitely worth monitoring.
Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Browns blog at www.ohio.com/browns. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NateUlrichABJ and on Facebook www.facebook.com/abj.sports.