CLEVELAND, Ohio – Scribbles in my notebook as the Browns faced Atlanta in their final preseason game of 2021:
1. Seeing Baker Mayfield have two passes knocked down by Atlanta defenders shows why it’s a good idea to have him play in a preseason game. The timing and faster action are hard to duplicate in practice, or even in the scrimmages they had with the Giants. He was 2-for-6 passing for 43 yards on his first drive vs. the Falcons.
2. On his second possession, Mayfield was sharp. He was “feeling” the speed of the game. He was decisive on where to throw the ball. He was 4-for-4 passing on that second possession for 70 yards. You could see him finding the flow the game and taking command of the offense.
3. Because Donovan Peoples-Jones has had such a sensational training camp, it was easy to miss how well fellow receiver KhaDarel Hodge also has played. Hodge caught a a terrific 22-yard TD pass from Mayfield. The QB rolled out and threw a superb high, soft pass that was run down by Hodge.
4. Hodge also caught another pass for 20 yards from Mayfield. It was an excellent strong throw from Mayfield, who does have a certain chemistry with Hodge. The coaches love Hodge, who is “stalwart” on special teams, according to special teams coordinator Mike Priefer.
5. The Browns were using Demetric Felton on special teams and in the backfield. He showed some quick change of direction. The sixth-rounder from UCLA is loved by the Browns. He could be a possible slot receiver later in his career.
6. The Browns have big-name receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry as starters. They didn’t play Sunday. Then look at the list of backup receivers: Rashard Higgins, Peoples-Jones, Hodge and rookie Anthony Schwartz. The Browns picked Schwartz in the third round, and the Auburn product finally was on the field after missing most of training camp (and OTAs) due to hamstring problems.
7. The Browns can’t keep all these receivers. Davion Davis had some impressive performances in the first two preseason games. Davis is suspended for the first two games in 2021 due to a DUI charge in 2019. My point is the roster crunch will lead to a viable receiver being cut by the Browns and landing with another team.
8. D’Ernest Johnson is a very solid player, both as a running back and on special teams. Johnson also does a good job catching short passes. I really like him. But I wonder if the Browns will keep Johnson and Felton as backup running backs to Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Johnson should be attractive to another team. He had 11 yards rushing in three carries. He caught five passes for 44 yards in the first half.
9. On the defensive line, Malik McDowell and Jordan Elliott had some nice moments. So did A.J. Green, who started at cornerback. He has been rising on the depth chart. The Browns had cornerbacks Greedy Williams and Denzel Ward sitting out.
10. Sheldon Day has been pretty good through training camp and he’s an option to make the team on the defensive line.
11. Backup QB Case Keenum was 12-of-18 for 109 yards. He was solid.
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