Jacoby Brissett's first preseason game takes center stage as the Browns close out their exhibition season. (TheLandOnDemand)
Jacoby Brissett’s preseason debut takes center stage
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Editor’s note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
And in the last Browns practice game of the summer, we get to see Jacoby Brissett make his first appearance in a Browns uniform.
Better late than never.
The replacement starter for 11 games during Deshaun Watson’s NFL suspension should play a few series, at least, against the Chicago Bears in the preseason finale in FirstEnergy Stadium.
Coach Kevin Stefanski refused to say which offensive starters would join Brissett, or for how long. It’s expected that the first-team offensive line, minus right tackle Jack Conklin, will play in front of Brissett, along with receivers Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones and tight end David Njoku. Running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are not expected to play.
“We want to see what we do in the drives that Jacoby is in there,” Stefanski said, stating the obvious. “If we feel like he needs more time or if we feel like he needs certain plays full speed in a game setting, we will do that. It is just a constant communication with the coaches to make sure we get what we need.”
The transition to Brissett as the Browns starting quarterback took place in practice on Aug. 18 when Watson’s 11-game suspension was announced. That’s when Brissett took over reps with the first team from Watson.
The Browns claim Brissett has gotten quality work in practice with the No. 1 offense even though they haven’t played together in the first two preseason games.
Saturday night’s practice game will give everyone a barometer of how much more work needs to be done before the season opener Sept. 11 against Baker Mayfield and the Carolina Panthers.
What do the coaches want Brissett to accomplish in his lone preseason appearance?
“We always talk about operation, getting in and out of the huddle cleanly with the right play calls and getting us into the right plays,” said offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. “Just the operation of our offense I think is the big thing. Obviously, we would love to go down there and score a few times, but that is not the end of the world if we do not. We are looking for a clean operation and clean mechanics from that position.”
Brissett’s performance will be the dominant attraction, but the practice game may decide a few roster spot with the major cut coming on Tuesday.
“I think there are still decisions to be made,” Stefanski said. “I think we have tried to use every minute we have to evaluate our players so this is another opportunity for us to look at our guys in a game setting. Yeah, I think there are still jobs up for grabs.”
Here are the players to watch, other than Brissett, in the last preseason game of the summer.
Return specialist Easop Winston
There is a slim chance this Aug. 16 waiver claim could steal a roster spot. What would it take? A big night returning kicks and punts. The Browns are begging for somebody to seize the opportunity created by the season-ending Achilles injury to return specialist Jakeem Grant. Receiver Mike Harley didn’t do it last week. Now it’s Winston’s turn. Winston would need to be electric with every return opportunity to stake a late claim for a roster spot.
Tight end Nakia Griffin-Stewart
The tight end situation behind David Njoku and Harrison Bryant has been underwhelming. So much so that the Browns might shift fullback Johnny Stanton into the third tight end role at the initial cut to 53. Of the tight end contenders, Griffin-Stewart has steadily increased his snap counts in the games – an indication he is gaining ground. Griffin-Stewart actually is second on the team with six receptions for 70 yards through two practice games. No other tight end has more than one reception. The Browns are Griffin-Stewart’s fifth team since signing with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2020.
Receivers Anthony Schwatz and David Bell
Roster spots are not on the line for these two young receivers. They will not be cut. But Schwartz and Bell have to catch every catchable ball thrown to them to build confidence in themselves. Each had a drop in preseason Game 2 against the Eagles. But each followed with good practices this week. Bell appears behind Demetric Felton as the slot receiver. A good showing in this last practice game could complete Bell’s comeback from missing the first 10 days of camp with a foot injury.
Safeties D’Anthony Bell and Richard LeCounte
It’s possible both can make the initial 53 roster as the fourth and fifth safeties. But if only one makes it, LeCounte has the edge based on his draft status. GM Andrew Berry has never cut a draft pick in two previous years. LeCounte leads in tackles, 11 to 6. Bell has a forced fumble and LeCounte has a fumble recovery. LeCount has a few missed tackles. A big play on special teams can have a big impact on this decision.
Linebackers Dakota Allen and Tony Fields
Allen and Fields are tied for the team lead with 13 tackles. Like LeCounte, Fields has the benefit of doubt because he was drafted by Berry. Allen, 26, has been with three previous teams, but he has had a really good camp.
