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Redskins vs. Browns: Preview, matchups to watch, score prediction for NFL Preseason Week 1

By Jacob Camenker

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 22: Colt McCoy #12 of the Washington Redskins throws a pass in the first half of a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 22, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 22: Colt McCoy #12 of the Washington Redskins throws a pass in the first half of a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 22, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 28: Josh Harvey-Clemons #40 of the Washington Redskins is congratulated by teammate Josh Norman #24 after a stop in the second half against the New York Giants on October 28,2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 28: Josh Harvey-Clemons #40 of the Washington Redskins is congratulated by teammate Josh Norman #24 after a stop in the second half against the New York Giants on October 28,2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Redskins defense vs. Browns offense

On the defensive side of the ball, the Redskins should get a bit of a test from the Browns offense. A lot will depend on how much, if at all, Baker Mayfield plays. But even if he doesn’t, the team has some backups that could gauge the state of the Redskins defense.

Drew Stanton is Cleveland’s top backup. He’s nothing to write home about, but he is a long-time NFL backup who can manage a game. He will test the young Redskins on defense and if the team can rattle him, that will be a good sign. Elsewhere, Garrett Gilbert was en route to being the AAF’s MVP before the league’s demise, so he could be an interesting passer to watch in this contest.

The Redskins will be looking to see production at every level of the defense, but the linebacker corps is the one that will intrigue the most. The team is likely to keep four linebackers and in the wake of cutting Mason Foster, it appears they will stick with Jon Bostic, Shaun Dion Hamilton, Cole Holcomb, and Josh Harvey-Clemons. That said, the team still has to figure out a pecking order and if the young guys flash, that could give one of them a chance to start over the veteran Bostic.

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Of that group, the speedy and productive Holcomb is the one to watch. The fifth-round rookie out of UNC has been solid at camp and has drawn praise from Gruden for his work habits. If those can translate to the field, that could make a big difference for the Redskins. He could be tasked with helping stop the Cleveland running game, which is loaded with some productive college players and, of course, Kareem Hunt, who is still fighting for a spot on the Browns roster.

Elsewhere, Troy Apke is a player to watch in the secondary. He is on the roster fringe despite being a fourth-round pick in 2018. He has the speed to be a playmaker on special teams and a solid backup safety, but he needs to show that he can play football and take proper angles. Rookie Jimmy Moreland, who has been one of the top camp standouts, will also be important to watch. If he grabs an interception, that could solidify his roster spot.

Thankfully, the Browns have some receiving depth that could challenge the Redskins secondary in Damion Ratley, Jaelen Strong, and Derrick Willies. All three have NFL experience as role players, so for the young players on the team, that will be a good test.

Up front, all eyes will be on Montez Sweat. Sweat has been dealing with a banged-up calf in practice, but if he gets on the field, he could feast on the Browns’ offensive tackles. Greg Robinson and Chris Hubbard are the starters, but Kendall Lamm is the only proven backup, and he was only mediocre at best during his time in Houston. If Sweat sees the field, he could notch a sack or two.

Additionally, keep an eye on edge rusher Cassanova McKinzy, as his speed could prove to be a problem for the Browns’ offensive line. If he performs well, he could continue to improve his chances of making the roster.

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