The 6 Lions vs Browns Preseason Takeaways From Fans POV

In the Lions vs Browns preseason finale, we saw some encouraging and concerning things as Lion fans. In the post we'll talk about all the positive things first and finally all the concerning things.

The 6 Lions vs Browns Preseason Takeaways For Lion Fans

The Positives

Getting Tough Yards

The Lions are showing that they have a core group of running backs that run style is set for getting the tough yards...4th and 1, 3rd and 3, etc. That primarily goes for the top 3 backs (Kerryon Johnson, CJ Anderson, Ty Johnson), but as a practice squad/just in case option Mark Thompson needs to be on this team! Similar to Kerryon and CJ, Thompson can get the tough yard in between the Tackles; whereas Ty Johnson's speed will accomplish the goal running around the edge. As the season goes on, and the likelihood of injuries happening; having a guy like Thompson to hold the fort until the main running back core gets healthy is a MAJOR positive!

RPO

The case of Josh Johnson backing up Matthew Stafford was made when the Lions Offensive Coordinator added a wrinkle to the offense. That wrinkle was the Run Pass Option, and Johnson showed that he can be effective running that style. There may be times in the season where changing up the play calling will have to happen and it seems to be much easier to do that with Josh Johnson compared to Tom Savage.

Strip Attempts

Creating turnovers is needed to increase a team's chances of winning and it seems after years of being victimized by it that the defense is finally deciding to try to strip the ball from running backs, receivers, etc. Attempting to do this was on full display by the players who were fighting for roster spots. This was beyond encouraging to us at LionsPassion.com, and wait to see opponent's drives stalled from those types of turnovers; hopefully giving the offense a short field to work simultaneously

The BAD

Little Pressure

Playing in the trenches is hard and not for the soft hearted! The ease at which a injury can occur is very high. All teams face this challenge. So when you're a 3rd or 4th stringer and you're going against 3rd or 4th stringers on the opposing side and you can't generate significant pressure...what's you happen when you go against that team's starters?

Getting off the field

Another was getting off the field on 3rd down! The concept from above applies again. If/When the team has to call on you to make a play because the starting QB targeting that  area of the field will the reserves be ready...we'll see

Allowing Pressure:

Actually all of the BAD from Thursday's Lions vs Preseason fall under the principle: trying to overachieve has to be how you operate to get better. Well as far as the O Line went last night, the team may be in trouble if any more starters get injured this season. We saw it all, penalties negating positive plays on drives; ultimately killing the drive itself, missing blocking assignments, etc.

OVERALL: We're encouraged by the team's progress of learning and installing this new offensive system. There's a high chance this season that Matthew Stafford do what no Lions fans have seen him do...have games won by the end of the 3rd quarter!

This Lions vs Browns preseason game was initially published at : 

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