View From the Dawg Pound 2014, Browns vs. Rams Exhibition Game 8.23.2014

We got to the game early Saturday night to check out the activity outside the stadium and the improvements inside. A lot of other fans also got there early and were enjoying the activities that included live music, zip lines, and all sorts of football related games and booths. The only negative was the presence of only one food truck, a bunch of them would’ve really made things better.

         Inside of the stadium you could not help but notice the new video screens in both end zones. Wow! And not only are they clear and colorful, once the game started they replayed ever play, good or bad, including questionable calls by the referees.

         We took several laps around the concourse and noticed very little new or out of the ordinary. We wanted to check out the food courts that now feature locals restaurants like the B Spot, but they are located on the club seat level and you needed a special ticket to get near them. Too bad, everyone should be able to sample the upscale cuisine.

         And that leads us up to the game. Let’s just say the Browns looked like a team that has had three coaching staffs over the last three years, four in the last five years if you are counting. Indecisiveness on both offense and defense was the rule for the evening from beginning to end.

         The offensive stats were ugly, and in reality things were probably worse. Only 32 yards rushing, 146 passing.  Four sacks, only 8 first and third quarter plays. The offense was never really in the game.

         Unfortunately, the defense was not much better, with the Rams going up 20-0 in the second quarter and never looking back.

         But there were positives. Johnny Football aside, it looks like the Browns had a very good draft.  Cornerback Justin Gilbert, offensive lineman Joel Bitonio, and linebacker Christian Kirksey are all players and will be long time starters, and running back Terrance West will be a solid contributor.

         Boh Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel did nothing for me. Too much running around, too many short passes, very little continuity highlighted the quarterback play.

      Last year after the Trent Richardson trade the Browns offense was screwed. With not legitamate running game it was easy for defensive coaches to game plan against the them. It will almost be the same this year if the Browns don’t show a downfield passing game. If their opponents don’t have to worry about the Browns stretching the field, its going to be another long frustrating season for the offense, no matter who is the quarterback.

       But being a Browns fan I’m ever the optimist…its only preseason, there is still another practice game before they go at it for good, and this is the most talented Browns team since their return. It may not seem like it in September, but by midseason this could be a pretty decent team.