Breaking Down the Cleveland Browns' 2012 NFL Preseason Schedule

If the Cleveland Browns' 2012 preseason opponents look familiar, that's because they're facing the same four teams they did last year. This schedule marks the 11th straight preseason meeting against the Detroit Lions and the ninth against the Chicago Bears.

Let's take a look at all four matchups and give a brief preview of what we can expect as the time to hit the field creeps ever closer. Exact dates have yet to be determined, by the way.

Preseason Week 1: At Detroit Lions (August 9-13)

We aren't going to be seeing much of either the Browns or Detroit Lions starting lineup in the first game of the preseason, so don't expect any legendary matchups between Cleveland cornerback Joe Haden and Lions receiver Calvin Johnson in this contest.

This will be a feeling-out process for both teams' rookie classes, potential practice squad players and others on the roster bubble. The goal here will be to minimize mistakes on some of the less-complex offensive and defensive formations in the playbook.

What to watch for: The performance of any quarterback the Browns draft this year; offensive line play; the potential first glimpse of running back Trent Richardson.

Preseason Week 2: At Green Bay Packers (August 16-20)

Starters should get more time on the field, so it will be interesting to see how the Browns' ever-strengthening defense looks against the Green Bay Packers' passing juggernaut. We'll also get to see how the Browns have improved their passing game.

Last year, the Packers had one of the worst secondaries in the league and struggled in the pass-rush as well. We can assume they address these issues in the draft; the Browns will see just how well they accomplished it, while Cleveland can see just how well they've improved their own passing game.

Other than that, it's about more talent evaluation. Depending on what happens, ostensible starters could be shifted to backup roles.

What to watch for: The Browns pass-rush and secondary skills; whether the Packers secondary is still shred-able and if so, what that means about the Browns aerial game; if the back-up quarterback out-plays Colt McCoy; more Trent Richardson.

Preseason Week 3: Vs. Philadelphia Eagles

The third week of the preseason is when we usually get to see the offensive starters play around three quarters, and some defensive starters could be on the field for the whole game.

The Philadelphia Eagles present some very serious challenges and are poised to finally come together to become the contending team they were built to be last season, so how the Browns handle this opponent will serve to illustrate their overall readiness to take on top talent in the regular season.

Can the Browns stop Michael Vick? How about LeSean McCoy? And how will the Browns offense exploit the Eagles' wide nine defense? These are major questions that this game should help answer.

What to watch for: Colt McCoy vs. what should be a top-end defense; how Trent Richardson handles a big-game atmosphere; how the Browns receivers manage a solid Philadelphia secondary; Browns pass-rush.

Preseason Week 4: Vs. Chicago Bears

Starters will get some action in this game, but it's more about resting up before the big show, the season opener. This game against the Chicago Bears should help the Browns finalize their starting roster and allow them to get a few kinks out of the playbook.

How long defensive starters are on the field greatly depends on how they handle the Eagles in the previous week. If it's a poor showing, expect them to play into the third quarter. Look to see if there is any marked improvement from how they handled LeSean McCoy the week prior to how they handle Matt Forte and Michael Bush in this game.

This game could potentially solidify Colt McCoy as the Browns' unchallenged starter or the beginning of a serious quarterback controversy. For all parties involved, the former better be the outcome.

What to watch for: The last chance for Colt McCoy to lose the starting gig; all-around defensive performance; improved chemistry between McCoy and his receivers; Trent Richardson, of course.

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