The Cleveland Browns defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in their preseason opener by the score of 24-13. RB Jerome Ford looked really good except for a fumble. CB Martin Emerson played bully ball to intercept a pass and return it for a touchdown. Isaiah Thomas, Chris Odom and Isaac Rochell showed that the Browns may have some quality depth at defensive end as well.
There were obvious negatives as well. QB Deshaun Watson looked rusty and rushed. WR Anthony Schwartz dropped two passes. RB D’Ernest Johnson joined Ford with a fumble.
The most significant negative was the loss of new starting center Nick Harris on the second play from scrimmage. Harris’ leg buckled during a bull rush and he was in obvious pain. Saturday, HC Kevin Stefanski all but confirmed the worst for Harris:
#Browns Kevin Stefanski said Nick Harris is likely to need surgery on his knee, which would end his season. Still to be determined.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) August 13, 2022
The team’s fifth-round pick in 2020, Harris finally got his chance to grab the starting job when Cleveland released veteran J.C. Tretter. Smaller, for a traditional offensive lineman, Harris’ agility and speed were seen as perfect fits in the wide zone scheme.
Ethan Pocic, signed as a free agent this offseason, stepped in to replace Harris on the third play. A second-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks, Pocic will likely get the first shot at taking Harris’ place.
Brock Hoffman is the only other center listed on Cleveland’s roster but Dawson Deaton played center in college as well.
Tretter remains a free agent and could get a call from GM Andrew Berry.
