Where: Ralph Wilson Stadium (Orchard Park, NY)
When: 6:00 PM EST (Browns Pre-game for Cleveland viewers is at 5:00 PM)
Here is tonight's projected lineup for the Browns and Bills (Note: Bills' projected lineup more likely to be inaccurate, since I'm gathering this information myself. Also, bolded names for the Browns indicate a different starter from last week's game against the Lions.):
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Offense WR D.Northcutt LT K.Shaffer LG J.Andruzzi C Ro.Tucker RG C.Coleman RT K.Chambers TE K.Winslow WR J.Jurevicius QB C.Frye FB T.Smith RB R.Droughns |
Defense LE O.Roye NT T.Washington RE A.McKinley LOLB M.Stewart MLB A.Davis WLB Thompson ROLB K.Wimbley LCB L.Bodden RCB R.Brown SS S.Jones FS B.Russell |
Offense WR L.Evans TE K.Everett LT M.Gandy LG T.Reyes C M.Fowler RG C.Villarrial RT J.Peters TE R.Royal WR P.Price QB J.Losman RB W.McGahee |
Defense LE R.Denney NT L.Tripplett UT T.Anderson RE A.Schobel WLB A.Crowell MLB L.FletcherB SLB W.Hunter LCB T.McGee RCB N.Clements SS D.Whitner FS R.Baker |
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- Chaun Thompson: Returning from injury, Thompson will see his first action of the preseason instead of D'Qwell Jackson.
- Braylon Edwards: He won't start the game, but there's a very good chance that he'll see a play or two simply to get some in-game action before the regular season.
- Willie McGinest: Like Edwards, McGinest could see some action against the Bills. However, since he's a veteran, he'll be rested if Crennel feels it won't help him really.
What We're Looking For:
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Quarterbacks: We won't see much of the backup quarterbacks, as Charlie Frye will play a series or two after halftime. We'll be looking for plays to Joe Jurevicius this week, as well as a decline in turnovers when the ball doesn't need to be forced. Derek Anderson should get the first crack at playing once Frye leaves the game.
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Running Backs: We all know what Reuben Droughns can do, so it's time to make sure Jerome Harrison wasn't a one-trick wonder. Also, between Lee Suggs and William Green, someone needs to emerge as our final running back.
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Wide Receivers: After getting the wind knocked out of him last week, Josh Cribbs may seem a special play this week - just a hunch. Also, Travis Wilson needs to have a few plays with the first-team offense during multiple receiver sets. Getting the ball to Jurevicius at least twice is a priority, since he's only been thrown to once during the preseason.
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Tight Ends: We want to see Kellen Winslow break a tackle and pick up ten extra yards.
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Offensive Line: Although Ryan Tucker is practicing, he will not play. Although Ross Tucker should have most of the time as the starting center, I'd like to see Lennie Friedman see some action as well. Hopefully he'll turn out to be what Bob Hallen was originally intended to be. Also, Kirk Chambers needs to step it up and prove he's a good enough backup for when Ryan Tucker returns.
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Defensive Linemen: The defensive line unit has been solid so far; nothing special needs to be watched.
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Linebackers: All eyes will be on Chaun Thompson, especially since there has been speculation of him getting released or traded. I don't think it'll come down to that, because depth is key in the NFL. However, between Thompson and D'Qwell Jackson, the competition is still open.
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Defensive Backs: With the return of Antonio Perkins, it'll be nice to see him play the cornerback position finally. Ralph Brown, Daven Holly, Pete Hunter, and numerous others are still fighting for that final cornerback job.