Cleveland Browns: 5 Takeaways From Third Preseason Game

The Cleveland Browns were unable to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their third preseason game this evening and ended up losing by a final score of 30-13. It may have been an ugly game, but at the end of the day, it is simply a practice game. Cleveland is hoping to turn their franchise around over the next few seasons and are hoping to shock the NFL and make a run at the playoffs this year.

Hue Jackson was hired to be the new head coach this past offseason. He will be a huge upgrade for the Browns and Browns ownership believes that he can get the team back on track.

We previously wrote about why the Browns could end up making the playoffs in 2016 if they play to their full potential here at the Inquisitr.

Robert Griffin III was signed by the Browns this offseason as well, as ESPN reported. There was immediately a lot of media scrutiny surrounding the move. Despite all of the negativity that has surrounded Griffin over the last few years, he is slowly proving himself to the Cleveland fan base.

Even though they lost tonight’s preseason contest, there were a lot of important things to take away from the game. Cleveland is a work in progress, and everything that Jackson can take away from a preseason game is a huge positive for the Browns.

All of that being said, what five takeaways can be seen from tonight’s third preseason game of the season for the Browns?

Each of the first three preseason games have been big steps in the right direction for Griffin. He completed eight of his 14 pass attempts for 119 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions. Those numbers show that he is still heading in the right direction and that he is ready to open the 2016 season as the starting quarterback in Cleveland.

Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson Will Be Just Fine at RB

There are still some concerns surrounding the running back position heading into the season. Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson will be just fine. They combined for 11 carries for 61 yards this evening and will give the Browns’ offense more than enough production in the regular season.

Josh Gordon Is Going to Be Entertaining

Immediately after being reinstated to the NFL, Josh Gordon’s name was trending. Cleveland fans couldn’t be more excited to see a single player play than they are about Gordon. He showed why this evening, catching two passes for 87 yards and a touchdown.

That’s right, the Browns should begin shopping Josh McCown in trade talks. Cody Kessler may not be a starting-caliber quarterback yet, but he has shown enough this preseason to push McCown for the backup role. McCown could get the Browns a decent return in a trade and management should see what kind of offers they can get for him.

Andy Lee Is Still an Elite NFL Punter

No one talks about kickers or punters, but Andy Lee showed why he is an elite NFL punter tonight. He racked up 359 yards on seven punts, with three of them falling inside the 20-yard line. Cleveland is hoping Lee can work a little less this season, but they will need him to keep punting like he did tonight.

Expect to see the Browns take another step forward next week in their preseason finale. Jackson has the fans excited about the 2016 season and is hoping to give them a reason to be excited about the long-term future of the franchise.

What do you think of Robert Griffin III as the starter for the Cleveland Browns? Is there any chance that they will compete for a playoff spot in the AFC? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.

[Photo by Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP Photo]