The NFL 2023 Pre-Season started off with a more-than-expected very entertaining game between two teams who have intriguing storylines for this season. Will Aaron Rodgers lead this young Jets franchise to the playoffs with the worst O-Line he’s had in his career? (Outside of Mekhi Becton if he is healthy). How will Deshaun Watson perform after a full offseason, Training Camp, and OTAs with his intelligent head coach in Stefanski? With many more stories to be told this year.
We will get an in-depth look into the Jets this preseason on HBO’s Hard Knocks. I will be tuning in for sure! The Browns were sound in the second half in their comeback Victory over the Jets to remain undefeated, 21-16. Led by Rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, (more on him in a minute), who shined and impressed like he has all off-season long. Who were the best and most impressive players tonight?
Which areas of the roster does each team have to look forward to for this year? Let’s jump right in!
Cleveland Browns
● I feel required to start with Dorian Thompson- Robinson! DTR was absolutely incredible tonight. Plain and simple. All off-season he has very much impressed the Browns and anyone who was watched the film with his talent. It was on display tonight along with his grit and heart out there on the field. It was obvious he was realizing his dream of getting to this stage, making it to the NFL. The rookie from UCLA was poised in the pocket, looked comfortable commanding the offense as if he has for years. Going 8/11 for 82 and a nice throw for a go ahead Touchdown late in the 4th Quarter.
DTR was arguably even more effective in the running game, rushing for 36 yards, including a lovely broken ankle to reach a first down. Personally my favorite play of his was him making a brilliant block, throwing his body into a Jets Defender allowing Demetric Felton Jr. to go in for the score in the 3rd. What a performance! Sorry Kellen Mond, you have serious competition for that backup QB spot.
Mond had a strong start to the game, but seemed to get worse as the first half went on, including a terrible interception to Chaz Surratt. I can not wait to see what DTR has in store for the rest of the
Preseason!
● I must give massive props and credit to the Browns Offensive line, especially in the second half. Their run blocking is what impressed me, there were holes big enough to drive a Ram Pickup through! Having 4 players over 30 yards, and 2 over 40, and a team combined 172 yards in the preseason is awesome. The Browns should definitely have another year of success on the ground. With their schemes, depth at the OLine, and some guy named Nick Chubb carrying the rock.
● The Browns Defense was littered with players who looked like men vying for a roster spot, and playing like their careers were on the line, as they are. Safety Bubba Bolden stood out with the game sealing INT, 4 tackles and a pass deflection. Tony Fields II, Charlie Thomas III, Thomas Graham Jr, Mohamoud Diabate being impressive and always in or around the tackles. Cam Mitchell,
Tommy Togiai, Tanner McCalister, and others knocking down passes. The Browns seem to have some hidden gems with many guys who seem like they will provide good depth and be ready to make an impact when their names are called to step up for an injured starter. Even when some don’t make the roster, it will be hard for them not to find a spot on a practice squad somewhere and hopefully get their opportunities there.
New York Jets
● Zach Wilson has a lot on his plate. Since being drafted 2nd overall over two years ago, he’s shown flashes, but has underperformed for such a touted prospect coming out of college. This is his 3rd year in the NFL, and it seemed like he had already lost the trust from the locker room and the organization. The good news for Zach is, as everyone knows, Aaron Rodgers is now a Jet! I hope
Wilson takes advantage of this season and watches Aaron, and picks his brain to learn what has made the now 19 year vet such a successful QB and multiple time MVP.
Zach showed some promise Thursday, making good reads and showing off his arm on a 57 yard bomb to Malik Taylor. Had he not slipped on the turf, he would have also picked up a nice first down with his legs as well. You just can’t predict when your cleats decide to listen to the Goo Goo Dolls and Slide. Will Wilson still be in the Big Apple after Rodgers retires?
Who knows but if Rodgers happens to go down with an Injury, we will see if the Cougar chasin’ Wilson will be ready to take over. If he is somewhere else, hopefully he will make
the most of a second chance that not many players get.
● Trey Dean III was an Undrafted Free Agent this season. After watching him fly around the field making 7.5 tackles and looking pretty solid in coverage? It’s hard to see why he never heard his name called back in April. He recorded 81 tackles in his last season at Florida so it is obvious he makes the plays when needs to and it seems he will continue doing so in the NFL. As far as the Jets are concerned, he is my early favorite to make the team and maybe even get playing time this year. I’m certain that I am not alone in that sentiment. I’ll be keeping an eye out for him whether he makes it or gets cut. If he is, I’ll have to dive into what teams could use his services.
● I’ll be honest, I can’t say a lot of good things about the Jets performance on Thursday. I did however love the sack that Bryce Huff made on Kellen Mond on a crucial 3rd down, along with the solid pressure he kept on him during his limited playing time. This is Huff’s 4th season out of Memphis, after being drafted with the 47th pick. His career has been slowly progressing but promising.
Last season he unfortunately had an injury to his obliques that I believe impacted his whole season, along with being placed on IR very late in the year last year. After playing DE when I was in middle and high school, I can tell you that your legs and all around your core muscles are absolutely vital to anyone on the D-Line. After his performance, for him, I hope this is the year Bryce breaks out and makes some noise in a rumored expanded role in a Pass Rush defense. He definitely showed that capability to impact the game and keep QBs on their toes.
● I’ll add in an honorable mention, special teams is what kept the Jets in the game at all, some very nice kick and punt returns, leading to great field position, only for the offense to just get into field goal range for Greg, “the Leg” Zuerlein to make 3 long field goals, along with a 54 yarder. He definitely looked like himself tonight. I’m a little worried about the Jets depth on the roster after this game.
However, this was just the first game, so who knows what will happen before the season kicks off next month. Football fans! We will not have another week without NFL football until February. We
made it! This looks to be another exciting season and I am chomping at the bit for September to come sooner! I do love the preseason more than most as I love seeing the competition for spots on rosters, and seeing who wants to make it the most. We started the year off with a good game that came down to the final possession and scratched the itch for football that all of us couldn’t reach!
Here is to the new year and good luck to your team!