5 Things We Learned About the Browns from the Win over the Packers

Phil Dawson helped kick the Browns to a win over the Packers.
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Phil Dawson had another big game for the Browns with two of his three field goals being over 50 yards. The story of the game for the Browns was the running game with 40 rushing attempts in the game for 117 yards.

The new rules with the CBA have limited the amount of padded practice which make it hard for coaches to evaluate the offensive line and the running game. Pat Shurmur and Brad Childress gave themselves a lot game tape to make a good evaluation of where the offense is at the line of scrimmage.

The defense, once again, got to look at the future with young players subbing for Scott Fujita, D'Qwell Jackson, Dimitri Patterson, Chris Gocong, Phil Taylor and Ahtyba Rubin. The 2012 draft class made impact plays in the game with John Hughes coming up with a tackle for a loss to Trevin Wade with pass defense playing the nickle for Dimitri Patterson.

Last but not least, Brandon Weeden didn't have outstanding numbers, but he, again, displayed incredible ball placement on his passes. Weeden will need to work on reading his route progression as he struggled if the first route in the progression was covered.

Brandon Weeden Can Deliver Under Pressure

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Brandon Weeden looked down the gun barrel and took a direct hit to the chest while delivering a strike to Jordon Norwood.

The ability to deliver quality throws while taking a hit will prove to be a big asset in the AFC North with pressure defenses in the division.

Colt McCoy Continues to Play Well in the Preseason

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Last year, Colt McCoy had a quarterback rating over 100 in the preseason. In 2012 with the option of starting off the table, he is putting together a good audition tape for the backup on the Browns or another team.

As bad as Graham Harrell played, Colt McCoy might end up back in Green Bay.

David Sims Highlighted Feisty Secondary Play for the Browns

David Sims celebrates after a pick six.
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The secondary started off rough by giving up a quick touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson, but bounced back with a forced fumble by Sheldon Brown and an interception for a touchdown by David Sims.

Is Joe Haden Playing with One Hand?

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Joe Haden played another good game with one big play for a touchdown given up. He had tight cover on Jordy Nelson with the inside position to make an interception.

Again, he only put one hand up, and Nelson used two hands to come up with the touchdown. If you see Haden put up two hands at a minimum, it is a pass break up.

Montario Hardesty Still Needs to Work on His Hands

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Montario Hardesty and the Browns' offensive line had a good run game overall and picking up the Packers' blitz package, but ball security was an issue for Hardesty.

In 2011, Hardesty had a few games where droping the football was a problem; his hand let him down in Green Bay with a fumble on the first play of the game. If Hardesty is going to be a reliable backup for Trent Richardson, his hand will have to get better.