Browns’ youngsters will get chance to step up in prime time

By Zachary Bardou  |   Sunday, August 17, 2008  |  Comments( 8 )

Cleveland Browns
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!

After ending their training camp over the weekend, the Cleveland Browns are now looking ahead to their second preseason game, against the New York Giants, on Monday. Several young players need to use this preview of the Browns’ potentially pivotal Week 5 matchup with the reigning Super Bowl champions as an opportunity to step up and impress the coaches before the cutting begins.

With the game at Giants Stadium, the Browns will begin a stretch of three exhibition contests in a mere 11 days, traveling to Detroit on Aug. 23 and then winding down their preseason against the Bears at home on Aug. 28. Head Coach Romeo Crennel says that the condensed schedule will help prepare the team for the short practice weeks that it'll will face this season with five night games on its slate. It will also help Crennel make some tough roster decisions.

Cleveland’s young receivers will get an especially long look during Monday's game. With Braylon Edwards, Joe Jurevicius and Kevin Kasper hampered by a variety of injuries, Crennel has given the starting nod opposite newcomer Donte' Stallworth to third-year receiver Travis Wilson. A third-round pick in the 2006 draft, Wilson has underwhelmed; he appeared in only four games as a rookie and never ascended past the practice squad last year.

But since the beginning of OTAs this year, Wilson has shown signs that he is finally learning what it takes to be an NFLer. The coaching staff has praised his work ethic and his efforts are paying dividends. He has greatly improved his route running and understanding of the offense while displaying the surest hands among those receivers still fighting for a roster spot.

Against the Jets, Wilson looked comfortable, catching three balls for 58 yards, and on Friday he was the speeding recipient of Joshua Cribbs’ first pass in practice, a trick play that went for a 50-yard touchdown. Wilson gets his greatest chance yet on Monday, but his competition will also receive plenty of opportunities.

Wilson edged out Cleveland East High School alum Steve Sanders for the start largely because of his full participation thus far in team activities. Sanders has demonstrated marked improvement this year as well, but he missed some time early on with a foot injury. He will still see plenty of playing time, though, along with fellow wideouts Syndric Steptoe and Paul Hubbard.

One other player who needs to continue to impress if he is to secure a roster spot is Jerome Harrison. In order for the diminutive rusher to guarantee a place with the Browns, he must show versatility and the ability to make plays on special teams. While he has flashed great speed and playmaking ability throughout the preseason, the 5-foot-9, 205-pound Harrison’s diminutive stature has presented a lot of challenges in blitz protection, and fellow backup Jason Wright outperforms him on special teams. At this point, the coaching staff is trying to justify keeping him around.

Crennel has said that his starters will play into the second quarter against the Browns, but there should be plenty of opportunities for those players still trying to win a job. The team will debut new solid brown pants and socks when it clashes with Big Blue on ESPN's "Monday Night Football" and fans will be given the chance to vote and express their opinions on the new duds. But the important evaluations will be made by the coaches and, if a few of these young players can make an indelible mark, they may just get a pair of brown drawers all their own.

Fantasy Playbook: An entirely new kind of fantasy game!
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (8)

About Zachary Bardou

I am a freelancer journalist, editorialist and blogger from Richmond, VA. I graduated from the University of Richmond in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and my work has since appeared in Richmond Magazine, Style Magazine, High Times Magazine, Elmore Magazine, Shoutmouth.com and ...
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report