They said it couldn’t be done. They said that there was no way the Cleveland Browns could go undefeated. Well, they were wrong. It is my pleasure to present to you the undefeated 2017 Cleveland Browns. Okay, it’s preseason. And although it is only preseason, a 4-0 record in exhibition games has to count for something, right? While the regular season is still more than a week away, the Browns have shown some serious improvement so far. So, what can Browns fans take away from the 25-0 victory that was last night’s game against the Chicago Bears? Let’s take a look. These are our Browns preseason week four takeaways for week four of the 2017 preseason.
Cleveland Browns Preseason Week Four Takeaways
Kevin Hogan: Backup Quarterback
Honestly, there should be no debate here. It’s absolutely baffling just how much better Kevin Hogan looks when compared to Cody Kessler. Really, it’s hard to believe that Kessler was the starter coming into training camp this year. How, just how, has he regressed this much? In any case, Hogan should definitely be the backup to rookie DeShone Kizer this season. That is, if Brock Osweiler gets either cut or traded like many expect.
At the top of the list of reasons why Hogan should be the backup over Kessler is his arm strength. Hogan’s passes have an infinite amount more zip and accuracy on them than Kessler. Additionally, his reads seem to be much smarter to get downfield, rather than Kessler’s normal “check-down or bust” method of play. While DeShone Kizer will absolutely be keeping the starting job, Hogan should be promoted to second string.
This Defense is Legit
Last night, the game’s final score was 25-0. In total, the Browns have allowed only 29 points this preseason. In addition to that, they have been in the lead when the starters came out in three of those games.
This defense, if they add a couple more impact players next year, could be one of the best in the league. As of right now, it is somewhat undisciplined and very, very young. However, fans can absolutely see something building on the defensive side of the ball. Is it totally ready just yet? Well, maybe not. But there is definitely something there, and it will be interesting to see just what Gregg Williams cooks up next for this defense.
Preparing for Week One
Looking ahead, the Browns have a lot on their plate in preparation for the season opener. For one, they’ll be facing the Super Bowl contender Pittsburgh Steelers and familiar face Joe Haden. Secondly, the Browns will no longer be seeing simple, vanilla defensive looks. Really, they could be facing one of their offense’s biggest tests of the season when dealing with the looks Pittsburgh gives them. Right now, it looks like they could rely heavily on the running game of Isaiah Crowell, Duke Johnson, and Matt Dayes. Kizer still needs some time to develop, and giving him a good running game will be crucial.
Maybe preseason doesn’t matter as much as we as fans would probably like it to. However, a 4-0 record for these Browns has to mean something. It’s been a pleasure to watch this team in the preseason, and fans can only hope that these great habits from our Browns preseason week four takeaways continue into the regular season.
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