If ever there was an argument for less pre-season games in the NFL, last night’s Browns-Bears game would be exhibit A.
Both teams scored one touchdown, and both were set up by turnovers deep in the opponents territory. There were no long sustained drives by either team, and both coaches held out most of their key players, including starting quarterbacks Jake Delhomme and Jay Cutler.
It was really like watching a controlled scrimmage, except that it was the last opportunity to impress for many players who are on the bubble.
No one wants injuries in the last pre-season game, but the Browns may have suffered a key one, when RB Montario Hardesty left the game with a knee injury, and left the stadium on crutches. It is a tough blow for a kid who missed the first three games with an injury to his other knee. He is out for the season.
RB James Davis took advantage of the situation by running for 66 yards on 13 carries and catching five passes for 53 yards. However, with Hardesty out, both he and Chris Jennings will likely make the team.
Colt McCoy overcame a bad snap early, which led to the Bears’ only touchdown, to then complete every one of his 13 passes. McCoy dinked and dunked his way to doing this, but after watching Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn complete low percentages last year, it is nice to see this type of efficiency. By the way, this is not to say the rookie should get any meaningful playing time this season.
However, he probably beat out Brett Ratliff for the third string QB spot. Although McCoy starting gave everyone the indication he’s the guy the front office wanted to win the job.
Veteran Bobby Engram also showed there was some life in his old legs, catching six balls for 61 yards. His inclusion on the final roster will probably depend on how many receivers Eric Mangini wants to keep on the roster.
Defensively, LB David Veikune made his bid to be included on the roster with five tackles, and rookie Larry Asante should have cemented a spot with seven stops from the safety spot. Defensive lineman Derreck Robinson played well too, and has done some good things throughout the pre-season. LB David Bowens is said to be on the bubble and he responded with four tackles and a half a sack with Brian Schaefering.
CB Brandon McDonald helped his cause with two pass break ups.
So, GM Tom Heckert and Mangini will have a tough job when cut downs come on Saturday. For the first time in a while, tough decisions will have to be made, and it will be interesting to see if the team goes with youth or veterans when push comes to shove.
And of course, they will also be looking at other teams’ cuts to see if there is anyone who can upgrade this football team.
The pre-season is over. It’s time to play some games that count.
JD
Cleveland Sports Perspective 