The Cleveland Browns are in Philadelphia this week for joint practices on Monday and Tuesday with the Eagles. Kevin Stefanski has already said that it will be mostly backups on Thursday after the starters get their time in during the joint practices. Some roster questions remain after the struggles of kicker Cade York and injuries to linebacker after losing Jacob Phillips for the season, as well as backup running back Jerome Ford being sidelined with a calf injury.
So do the Browns need to explore available options now or later to fill potential roster holes? Let’s take a look at these questions and more in this week’s Browns mailbag.
Do you think Cade York should have competition in camp? Is the lack of competition a problem?
I don’t think that a lack of competition has anything to do with Cade York’s current struggles. However I agree with those that believe they should bring competition in, there is far too much talent on this roster to risk the overall goal on a young kicker.
Best case scenario you bring in competition and that lights a fire under York and he figures it out worst case his struggles continue and you move on before it costs wins.
What would be your QB rotation for the preseason game in Philadelphia?
Josh Dobbs looked a little rusty last week so I would give him two or three series to make sure he has enough work in. After that, I would have Mond finish the first half and give Dorian Thompson-Robinson the second half.
Mond isn’t making the roster barring an injury (or a Dobbs trade) and getting DTR up to speed should be one of the focuses for the remainder of the preseason which could lead to the team potentially moving Dobbs if they believe DTR could handle the backup job.
Are you satisfied with the running back room?
I am happy with the top two spots, Ford is a good complementary piece to Nick Chubb who remains the best running back in the league. If he is healthy, which he likely will be, those top two can create a pretty good group. I’m on the fence about the rest of the room, I want Demetric Felton to take the reigns as the third running back.
When Felton is at his best he can be explosive and make people miss in the open field. He needs to continue to prove himself in the preseason but if someone like Michael Carter is available for trade with Dalvin Cook signing I would absolutely explore that option.
Do you feel the Browns should pursue another linebacker with the Jacob Phillips injury?
I wasn’t sure that Jacob Phillips would make this roster if Anthony Walker and Sione Takitaki were healthy to start the year. Phillips has struggled to stay healthy and last year when he was on the field he wasn’t very good. Personally, I feel like the linebacker room is fine as is considering how much better the defensive line in front of them is.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah looks bigger while still being hyper athletic flying all over the field. Takitaki and Walker seem to be on track to be ready for the season added to Tony Fields II looking ready for a bigger role and the room will be fine.
