The Cleveland Browns faced the Atlanta Falcons in their second preseason game on Thursday night. After a 17-11 loss to the Green Bay Packers a week prior, the Browns just wanted to see a bigger sample size of quarterback Robert Griffin III and his offense – and did.
After a two touchdown performance from Griffin, the Browns offense looked better against a tough Falcons defense and looks like a prime team to win some football games in 2016. We are going to break down the five takeaways from this 24-13 loss.
5. Defensive End Carl Nassib Looks Great: The Penn State product has been looking great these last two preseason matchups. Carl Nassib recorded a sack in both preseason games and had a absolute fantastic game against the Falcons. His consistent pressure on quarterback Matt Ryan should not go unnoticed. When backup Matt Simms came into the game he was under pressure all night. Nassib came off of the edge sacked him, forced a fumble and recovered it all in one play; extremely impressive for a rookie third-round pick. He looks extremely promising and could be a star in this Cleveland Browns defense. The young athlete could be considered the Browns defensive MVP so far this preseason. He has looked spectacular.
4. Special Teams Improved, BUT Missed an Extra Point: Well, what a difference one week makes for a special teams unit. The only problem was the kicking game. After a tremendous touchdown from RGIII to Gary Barnidge, the team attempted an extra point from which kicker Travis Coons missed. If he wants to continue to battle and win the starting kicking job in Cleveland, the young athlete needs to make easy field goals and especially extra points. Kicker Patrick Murray has been looking quite solid and might just win this battle. The Browns have two preseason games left and so do the kickers. May the best man win.
3. Terrelle Pryor Is Looking Fantastic: When I wrote last week’s five takeaways after the Browns lost against the Packers, fans were extremely excited about the former Ohio State quarterback turned receiver, Terrelle Pryor. This incredible athlete has worked extremely hard to become one of the best in the game. Against the Falcons on Thursday night, Pryor burned Pro Bowl cornerback Desmond Trufant on a simple “go” route for a 50 yard touchdown reception.
Last week against the Packers, Pryor did the same exact route on the right side and caught a 49 yard reception. It’s great to see Pryor succeeding with the Browns and I hope he is a threat this season in the deep passing attack.
2. Defense Needs to Step Up: The first string defense did decent. After the Browns went three and out on their first offensive drive, the Falcons received the ball and moved down the field for an opening drive touchdown. The run defense didn’t look to good on the 19-yard rushing touchdown by Devonta Freeman. When the Browns have everyone healthy you should see a slight improvement. After a touchdown by the Browns offense, the defense looked better and really stepped it up. It’s either hit or miss. We just have to wait and see if they have a solid Browns defense or a lackluster one.
1. Robert Griffin III and the Offense Looks SHARP: Just an all around incredible game for quarterback Robert Griffin III who threw for 96 yards and two touchdowns. The former Heisman winning quarterback just wants to become the threat he was during his rookie season back in 2012. If he continues to throw the ball with extreme accuracy, the young athlete will be a force to be reckoned with. Griffin completed 6 passes out of 8 for a 154.2 passer rating. His 50-yard touchdown completion, along with an absolutely INCREDIBLE throw to tight end Gary Barnidge for a 29-yard touchdown, really made him look like he was the 2012 RGIII that football fans missed watching.
Just look at RGIII and his celebration at the end. He is having FUN and I LIKE THAT!
Conclusion:
The Browns offense scored two touchdowns, an extra point was missed by Travis Coons and the defense looked mediocre. Those are some words that may be surprising to you. Let’s just hope that Griffin III can continue to gain confidence and look even better next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As for the defense… DON’T WORRY! They will continue to improve as these younger players earn snaps and feel more comfortable in a pro style system. This team with the addition of head coach Hue Jackson looks poised and ready to become a threat in the AFC North this season. We will keep you up to date on all your Cleveland Browns news and information.
GO BROWNS!
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