CHICAGO BEARS (0-3)		GAME #4		CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-3)
		VS.

Whether they like it or not, one of these teams is finishing the preseason with a win.

The Browns have not played too well in the preseason, but at least expectations are still high. The same can't be said for the Bears though -- I'm sorry, but I believe the Rex Grossman / Kyle Orton quarterback battle was far worse than the battle between Tim Couch / Kelly Holcomb. Give me Couch and Holcomb any day over Grossman and Orton. The Bears at least made the right decision with who they have to work with though, choosing Orton as their starter a few weeks ago.

What do the Browns need to accomplish today? I don't really expect anything out of any team in the fourth preseason game -- it's a "why bother" type of contest, unless the coach is trying to decide who the 53rd man on his roster should be still. Now, let's get to some pre-game digest...

Pre-Game Digest(more to be added if as the day moves along if necessary):

• We didn't see much of CB Travis Daniels last week, but he did play in the game (probably on special teams). I would like to see him with the second-team defense to test at what level he's ready to contribute on opening day.
• Over at the OBR, a user stated that Bernie Kosar, who was on Tony Rizzo's radio show, overheard Romeo Crennel telling the team that the first units would be on the field "until they looked good". That is such a loose phrase though; one average field goal drive during the first quarter is probably sufficient.
• The injury list at this point might as well read "all starters have the fourth preseason game off". In reality, most of them could probably play if they needed to, but will justifiably be held out until next week.
• The players ruled out are the same as last week: QB Derek Anderson, RB Jamal Lewis, WR Braylon Edwards, WR Joshua Cribbs, LB Willie McGinest, S Sean Jones, and S Brodney Pool.
• There are still wide receiver jobs to be won, but I simply do not see how one of the spots could go to Paul Hubbard. Two spots will be available for sure between Travis Wilson, Steve Sanders, and Syndric Steptoe.
• There is a different story brewing at the cornerback position. It looks as though our top for cornerbacks we'll be Brandon McDonald, Eric Wright, Terry Cousin, and Travis Daniels. We could carry a fifth, but that's not a guarantee. The battle is between Jereme Perry, A.J. Davis, and Gerard Lawson. I originally had Perry on my 53-man roster, but this game may sway me to Davis or Lawson.
• It's not out of the question that we'll only run with three safeties, but I see us going with four. Nick Sorensen and Mike Adams will start at safety again, so it's there backup positions to lose.
• I believe this will be David McMillan's final game in a Cleveland Browns uniform, especially with the rumblings that Antwan Peek will be ready-to-go for Week 1.
• Unfortunately for the Cieslak brothers, I think this will be Brad Cieslak's final appearance with the Browns too. Crennel and company seem set at tight end, barring them placing Martin Rucker on the injured reserve. Either way, I'd like to thank A. Cieslak for his contributions to our community.
• BREAKING NEWS: Dallas Cowboys cornerback Pacman Jones has been reinstated to the NFL, and will be facing the Browns in Week 1. Our third receiver better be ready, because Jones will probably be playing the nickel to start the season.
• Moohead will be streaming the game online in great quality, if things go as planned.

This is the official gameday thread for the Cleveland Browns' fourth and final preseason game, as they try to come away with their first victory against the also winless Chicago Bears. All comments regarding the game as it goes on and immediately following the game should remain in this thread. Enjoy the game, and GO BROWNS!!!

3:40 PM: The remainder of the roster moves are in. The Browns only cut one more player: DL Brian Schaefering. To reach the 75-man limit, the team confirmed that WR Joe Jurevicius will remain on the PUP list, and WR Kevin Kasper was placed on the injured reserve.

Jurevicius will miss the first six weeks of the regular season, and if he does return, it must be between Week 7 and Week 9.

I'm going to toot my own horn here by correctly guessing that one of our early moves would be to place Kasper on the IR. Because I don't expect him to be out all season, I wouldn't be surprised if the Browns paid him an injury settlement in a few weeks, officially releasing him from our roster altogether.

12:10 PM: According to the the Morning Call, RB Austin Scott has been released by the Browns. That means I'm currently 1-for-2 in my projection (I did not predict DB Damon Jenkins would be cut in the first go around).

"It's a little disappointing today," said Chris Lencheski, Scott's agent. "I'm trying to keep Austin upbeat. I reminded him that this is a business. If he's not with the Browns now, he may be in two or three weeks with the practice squad. And there are other teams. We are looking at solutions from a 360-degree perspective.

OFFICIAL CUT LIST:

• DB Damon Jenkins
• RB Austin Scott
• DL Brian Schaefering

KEPT ON PUP LIST:

• WR Joe Jurevicius

INJURED RESERVE:

• WR Kevin Kasper
  

With the regular season about to start, three teams have reportedly made offers (official or not) to defensive back Ty Law, according to FOX 8's Tony Rizzo. Each of the teams that have extended an offer fall under the Bill Belichick tree, of course: the New York Jets (Eric Mangini), the Cleveland Browns (Romeo Crennel), and the New England Patriots.

I've said throughout the offseason that the odds of us giving or wanting to give the best offer to Law were slim. With that said, considering the conservativeness and lack of depth we've seen in the preseason, I would love to see a former Pro Bowler come to Cleveland. He may not be a stud anymore, but I look at him helping us like Daylon McCutcheon did towards the downside of his career.

1. Frye Excels: If I dissed Charlie Frye for playing poorly last week, it's only fair that I give him credit this week for a nice Monday Night effort against the San Diego Chargers. Frye was 19-of-29 for 219 yards and 2 touchdowns. He left the game with a 17-10 lead in the fourth quarter, but the Chargers had a late drive and a two-pointer to win 18-17. Frye probably would've played the entire game had he not hurt his knee during his final drive.
   
2. Regarding Cuts: Yesterday, the Browns only made one move in waiving DB Damon Jenkins. The team has until 4 PM today to make four more cuts.
3. Anderson Out: Finally, Browns QB Derek Anderson has been ruled out of Thursday's game against the Chicago Bears. He has not yet been medically cleared to return from his concussion. I'd expect backup QB Brady Quinn to play longer than a series or two, which is the norm for a "starter" in the preseason.

Remember to check back often to see the Browns' first string of cuts, or any updates on the Ty Law situation.

It's always fun to see what Sports Illustrated's Peter King has to say about the Cleveland Browns, right? He had four bullet points dedicated to us, but unfortunately only one of them was positive:

g. Brady Quinn: six series, six points. Not a good first NFL start.

h. The Browns, all 75 of them left in camp, need to Google "sense of urgency.''

i. Except maybe Shaun Rogers. He stuffed Detroit's running game throughout the first quarter. Not that he was out for any kind of revenge or anything like that.

o. If you think Terrell Owens and Tony Romo aren't drooling at the thought of playing that Cleveland secondary Sept. 7, you're nuts.

-Peter King, MMQB

You really can't debate any of those points. As an optimist, I'd like to believe that we can bend and not break too bad against Owens. For me to have some confidence though, we'll need to make sure both of our starting safeties are back in the lineup. Still, it looks as though we're set to see a quarterback shootout on opening day.

Also, a reminder that the first roster cuts are due in by Tuesday, August 26th, at 4:00 PM. That doesn't mean teams can't start the process early though -- in fact, several teams have already made their cuts as of this posting. Those cuts can be seen here.

If the Browns announce their cuts today, I'll try to have the headline up as soon as possible.

Also, the Rams, perhaps in desperation mode, have brought in free agent center LeCharles Bentley to take a physical. If he goes to the Rams, he won't be facing us this year unless we miraculously meet in the Super Bowl.

CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-3)		GAME #3		DETROIT LIONS (3-0)
		VS.
6				26

Was that not one of the most boring games you've ever watched? I know that preseason games don't even deserve to be compared to regular season games in terms of excitement, but this was beyond boring. At least we didn't have to pay to watch Saturday's game -- that is, unless you purchased a ticket to Ford Field.

After the game was over, one thing kept racing through my mind: the regular season can't get here soon enough. The players with jobs clinched could care less, the coordinators call vanilla plays on offense, and the head coach pretty much knows who his 53-man roster will be already. Death to the preseason -- bring on more games that count.

GENERAL GAME THOUGHTS

1. Rogers Provided "It": If there was one thing I wanted to get out of this game as a fan, it was to see Shaun Rogers get on the field alongside Robaire Smith and Corey Williams. Rogers had the definite "it" factor on the defensive line, stuffing the run and creating havoc left and right. He will definitely make the players around him look better. I'm also awarding him this week's lone game ball.
2. Finishing the Pressure: A former defensive backs coach, it looks like a lot of Mel Tucker's defensive schemes in the preseason have involved blitzing the cornerbacks and safeties only. I love how often we're bringing those blitzes, but I hope he finds a fair balance between those and linebacker blitzes come the regular season.
   
   Browns DL Shaun Rogers had an impressive game.
   
3. Pressure on Kitna: Give credit to Jon Kitna: he's a veteran quarterback, and him escaping from pressure is not an uncommon occurrence. On the same note, he was sacked very often last season, so it was discouraging to see the Browns have the right play on, only to let Kitna get away and complete a pass downfield. You can't blame the secondary in those cases.
LB Kamerion Wimbley overpursues, resulting in a fairly easy 35-yard counter rushing touchdown for Lions RB Kevin Smith.
4. Wimbley on Kevin Smith: During the second quarter, Kamerion Wimbley made a bad decision on a rushing attempt by Lions rookie RB Kevin Smith that cost the Browns a touchdown. The defensive line did their job by bottling up the line, and there were at least two or three extra linebackers over their in case he broke through to the second unit. Wimbley, covering the backside, decides to try and become the third unit behind them in the 0.001% chance that Smith will become Jim Brown. The better decision would've been to stay home the entire time, to at a bare minimum force Smith to the outside, allow the safeties to catch up, and accept a 10-15 yard gain. Instead, it was a 35-yard touchdown. Major props to Lions backup QB Dan Orlovsky for taking out three of our defenders down at the goal line on the play though.
5. Not Too Hyped: Although Nick Sorensen had two notable defensive plays starting in place of Sean Jones, you just can't really get too excited about them. He just happened to be unblocked on his nifty-looking sack, and he was standing in center field on a play that Bernie deemed as a quarterback's nightmare.
6. Hall = Best Rookie: It should be official already, though there are far too few rookies to actually choose from at this point. Alex Hall showed a nice pass rush against a starting unit and should make this team ahead of David McMillan.
7. Corner Play: I didn't think the cornerback play for the starters was spectacular, but it wasn't as bad as the score would indicate. I believe we're going to have to live with a bend-but-don't-break pass defense this year, and a lot of Kitna's success involved both our missing safeties and our inability to sack Kitna when we had the chance.
QB Brady Quinn's first preseason start was an uneventful one to say the least. He finished 14-of-24 for 106 yards, with no touchdowns or picks.
8. Quinn...ugh...Mulligan: Yes, I'll take a mulligan. The whole offense in general was just so...boring. Quinn didn't have a sharp game throwing the football either -- many of his passes were low. Sure, that's fine in some cases, but his throws were either low or bouncing at the receivers' feet. The range should be chest-level to low. The offense failed to record a touchdown all game, and the third-down execution was pitiful.
9. Biggest Mistake Ever: Well, probably not the biggest mistake ever, but a mistake nonetheless: starting Travis Wilson. The kid has looked very good in camp as a third receiver. He looked very good in the Jets came as a third receiver. The past two weeks as a starter, he looks clueless. Now, fans are back to giving up on him and going as far as wanting to cut him. Mentally, he's not ready to handle a starting role. But, there's no reason he still can't be an effective third receiver unless the past two games have shot his confidence 100%.
10. Screen Worked: I'm still not overly enthused by our screen plays, but at least we had a successful one to Jerome Harrison. Speaking of Harrison, big mistake to catch the ball three yards downfield and then step out of bounds. Get those five extra yards and take the hit. Fortunately for Harrison, whenever Austin Scott or Travis Thomas get into the game, it looks as if their feet are in quicksand.
11. Leggett: Some people have probably jumped the gun (not here, but other Browns boards) by saying that Lance Leggett should make the final roster after having some success the past two preseason games. A pair of quarters against third-string defenses won't win you a sudden roster spot, but it does show you have some potential playmaking ability. That could call for him to be on the practice squad.
12. Kasper's Done: I can't imagine Kevin Kasper sticking around much longer. My anticipation level went from sky high to literally nothing in a matter of one play. A shame, too, considering he probably would've embraced the temporary starting receiver role a lot better than Wilson has.
13. Steptoe Average: Return-wise, it was only an average day for Syndric Steptoe. That's not a dig at Steptoe, but it reminds us that there is only one Joshua Cribbs.
14. Big Season: I probably sound crazy since I always diss Andra Davis big time, but I really like the awareness he's shown in third down situations this preseason. He's already broken up two passes at the line of scrimmage -- those plays will end drives, or better yet, result in an interception if he tips it high enough into the air.
15. Dawson's Strength: Keep it up Dawson -- those 50 yarders could be the difference against the top contenders this season. Credit to Dave Zastudil too, whose punt "for a touchback" probably actually went out around the one-yard line.
16. Rehashing, Rehashing: I can't really debate the running back battle between Jason Wright and Harrison, because week after week it's the same thing. Wright may not have the most moves, but when given a hole he can shoot through it. Harrison can make the play when it's not there, but is still undersized. I still prefer Harrison, but not by a whole lot. Get well soon, Jamal Lewis.
17. Sleeper: Earlier in camp, Gerard Lawson was called a sleeper by the Plain Dealer I believe. He had a nice pass breakup later in the game against Detroit that could've gone for six. Also, consider this: he has been fielding kickoffs. If the team chooses not to keep Steptoe, Lawson's ability to return kicks could give him a slight edge over an A.J. Davis.
18. Kosar Rules: Bernie Kosar was at his best again -- especially when he said something along the lines of "if they need someone after Ken [Dorsey] and you see I've left the booth, you'll know where I went," in regards to the Browns naming Steptoe their third-string quarterback.

That's pretty much it -- not really sure how I made 18 points out of a boring football game, but I did. Do I really want to say "bring on the Bears" now? Only if we get to see one series with Derek Anderson and Braylon Edwards back on the field. If healthy, do I want them to risk that one series? Absolutely. Even though it's just the preseason, we need some more fire as a team, and as fans.

Don't worry loyal readers: I haven't gone on a "trade them all" rampage like Jay / Ryan over at Let's Go Tribe just yet. Believe it or not, me posting this item has nothing to do with the Browns playing poorly in their second consecutive preseason game.

It's a fact that the first roster cuts are due in on August 26 (this Tuesday). So, considering our current roster, I want you to act like you are Romeo Crennel and Phil Savage. You only need to make five cuts, and it's very unlikely that we would go over that amount. In otherwords, please don't reply saying "I would cut ten people" unless you really believe you have a legitimate point.

Here are my first five cuts (these are the ones I projected prior to the Lions game):

1. DB Brandon Mitchell - With Jones and Pool nursing injuries, this one may not actually happen now. Sticking with my original instincts though.
   
2. RB Austin Scott - The team seems to prefer RB Travis Thomas just a little bit more, though honestly I could care less which back goes first.
   
3. DL Brian Schaefering - I saw him for the first time against the Lions. Too many players are ahead of him in the running though, and it makes sense to dump the bottom of the depth chart if you're looking to give former draft picks Melila Purcell and Chase Pittman more reps in the preseason finale.
   
4. OL Jonathan Palmer - I'm not really fond of Isaac Sowells or James Lee at this point, but Palmer is probably behind them on the depth chart too, leaving the competition down to just two men for the backup tackle role.
   
5. TE Kolo Kapanui - Yet to really make any impact; appears as though four tight ends are ahead of him on depth chart.
   

While not required, please feel free to elaborate on some of your cuts. If you list a third-string player who never gets in on the action, I think it'll be self-explanatory. But, if you're going to cut a player like Travis Wilson or David McMillan right away, please explain why since those cuts, if necessary, can be made after our fourth preseason game. Your argument doesn't have to be sane to be acceptable; just provide a basis of where you're coming from and I'll be pleased ;)

P.S. My review of the ever-so-boring Lions / Browns preseason contest is due some time Sunday. Check back often.

CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-2)		GAME #3		DETROIT LIONS (2-0)
		VS.

The third preseason game is usually intended to be the No. 1 test of how your team will operate during the regular season. By default, we're not going to have that chance. Six key players will miss this today's game against the Lions, including QB Derek Anderson, RB Jamal Lewis, WR Braylon Edwards, WR Joshua Cribbs, LB Willie McGinest, and S Brodney Pool.

Nonetheless, the game will be one to watch. We're going to get our first look at QB Brady Quinn as a starter, and I'd expect him to see at least a series into the third quarter. The most ecstatic player on the team should be QB Ken Dorsey, since third-string quarterbacks usually don't play in the third preseason game.

Pre-Game Digest (more to be added if as the day moves along if necessary):

• I'd expect us to get a look at CB Travis Daniels some time during the first half if the Lions spread the field with four wide receivers at some point. Remember, Daniels has been working with the Miami Dolphins the whole offseason now, so it's not like we need to "ease" him into things.
• It'll be interesting to see who will get the start at wide receiver opposite of Donte Stallworth. Travis Wilson did not look good last week, but neither did a lot of other players. I'm banking on the coaching staff giving Wilson another shot against a less aggressive defense.
• How much of a role will Kevin Kasper play? He has returned to practice this week, and although his chances are slim, I still think the team would favor him over Steve Sanders if he produces.
• This should be the day to decide who the backup running back will be. Jason Wright really hasn't had a lot of reps, so I think the team will try to work him in early before handing the load off to Jerome Harrison during the second and third quarters.
• Shaun Rogers is going to be facing his former team, but I could really care less about that. What I do care about is seeing our starting defensive line together for the first time this preseason: Robaire Smith, Corey Williams, and Rogers. The Lions aren't known for their running game, so we'd better see some nice stuffs early on.
• Rookie linebacker Alex Hall could get the start in place of the injured McGinest. I can't imagine that boding well for David McMillan, but I'm all for seeing what Hall can bring to the table.
• The Lions will use former Browns CB Leigh Bodden as a backup for now, as opposed to a starter. Looks like we got the better end of the deal, eh? I wouldn't be surprised to see Bodden lined up in the nickel defense early on though.
• This is the final game for five players to make a name for themselves. Not too long after the game, the Browns will have to trim their roster from 80 to 75 players. My early projections: DB Brandon Mitchell, RB Austin Scott, TE Kolo Kapanui, OL Jonathan Palmer, and DL Brian Schaefering.
• Because Harrison and Wright are more capable pass catchers than Lewis, I'd like to see us try some more screen plays -- particularly in the first quarter. We have been unbelievably poor in executing screens this preseason, and that's something we need to master before our opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
• The Lions signed QB Drew Henson on Friday after second-year QB Drew Stanton sprained his thumb. I wouldn't expect Henson to play against Cleveland unless an emergency arises.

This is the official gameday thread for the Cleveland Browns' third preseason game of the season, as they fight for pride against the Detroit Lions. All comments regarding the game as it goes on and immediately following the game should remain in this thread. Enjoy the game, and GO BROWNS!!!

A lot has gone on since the disaster against the New York Giants, but altogether I think we came out a lucky football team. We could've had a quarterback with a separated shoulder, a safety with a career-threatening concussion, and a stud kick returner out for a portion of the season. Instead, we're only going to be forced to rest some guys up until the team's Week 1 contest versus the Dallas Cowboys.

As far as our game this Saturday (4:00 PM EST start time) against the Detroit Lions though, here are the players who have all but been ruled out, and who will be replacing them:

1. QB Derek Anderson-----> QB Brady Quinn
   
2. RB Jamal Lewis----------> RB Jason Wright / Jerome Harrison
3. WR Braylon Edwards---> Not yet disclosed
   
4. WR Joshua Cribbs-------> WR Syndric Steptoe
   
5. OL Ryan Tucker-----------> Not applicable
6. DT Louis Leonard--------> DT Ahtyba Rubin
   
7. LB Willie McGinest-------> LB Alex Hall (rumored)
   
8. S Brodney Pool------------> S Mike Adams
   

RB Jamal Lewis won't be trucking through defenders against the Lions, as he will sit out with a pulled hamstring.

In case you're counting, that could very well be seven starters right there (five for sure). All of the injuries were known about immediately following the Giants game or beforehand, except for the ones to Lewis and McGinest. In case you missed the news yesterday, Lewis pulled hamstring and McGinest pulled a groin during the Giants game. (Late note: according to the OBR, Leonard will be out with a foot injury)

Now, for some more positive news: who will play. Head coach Romeo Crennel and other sources have all but confirmed that the following players will be ready to face the Lions:

1. FB Lawrence Vickers
2. WR Kevin Kasper
3. TE Brad Cieslak
   
4. DT Shaun Rogers
5. LB Leon Williams

The biggest addition to that list? Well, physically, it's Rogers -- but I'm referring to significance: Kevin Kasper. After Travis Wilson failed to take advantage of a starting opportunity last week, Kasper finally made his long-awaited return to practice a day or so ago and is looking to get back into the thick of things before it's too late. If Kasper has a huge game Saturday, I wouldn't rule a roster spot out for him just yet.

One final note to catch up on: Crennel is deciding not to sign another quarterback after Anderson's injury. That means the team is down to just two quarterbacks. Many fans originally speculated that Anderson may have suffered a significant shoulder injury when he was driven into the ground against the Giants, but Crennel shot that rumor down today:

''I know nothing about a shoulder,'' Crennel said. ''I said a hand because he fell on his hand as well as his head. The concussion is the thing we're dealing with. He just got a bruise (on his hand); he put a Band-Aid on it.''

As for how the protection broke down on the play, left tackle Joe Thomas offered some insight:

''They kind of caught us in a blitz and we didn't pick it up correctly. We had leakage on the front side and the back side. When you have that, the quarterback's got no place to go.''

The Browns will only play Brady Quinn and Ken Dorsey on Saturday, but they are auditioning for in-house quarterbacks in case of an emergency. Among the candidates are P Dave Zastudil, TE Darnell Dinkins, TE Brad Cieslak, LB Kamerion Wimbley, LB Shantee Orr, LB D'Qwell Jackson, S Sean Jones, S Nick Sorensen, WR Efrem Hill, and WR Syndric Steptoe. I think Zastudil and Dinkins would be the favorites to play quarterback -- and to prevent an injury to a starter, I'd use Dinkins. According to the Plain Dealer, Dinkins was once the fourth quarterback on the Giants' roster.