Cleveland Browns vs. St. Louis Rams: Observations On Browns Receivers

On Saturday, the Cleveland Browns played their second game of the 2010 preseason at home against the St. Louis Rams. The Browns were a week removed from an exciting last-second win over the Green Bay Packers and were looking to build on that momentum in preparation for the 2010 regular season.

Saturday saw heavy rain throughout the day and during the game, which resulted in poor playing conditions and a sloppy game for Cleveland. The Browns turned the ball over five times and ended up losing the game 19-17. The good news is that it is still preseason and these games are used to analyze and upgrade areas that need improvement.

One area in need of improvement over the 2009 season is on the offense at receiver. Last week, against Green Bay, receivers Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie looked very good, as did players at the tight end position. However, the other receivers on the roster had trouble finding a way to make a name for themselves on the field. Massaquoi was inactive against the Rams due to a hamstring injury which created the perfect opportunity for one of the other receivers to step up and stand out.

Despite the rain, quarterback Jake Delhomme led an efficient passing attack in the first half. Delhomme went 12 of 16 for 127 yards and a touchdown and continued to develop chemistry with the rest of the offense. As long as Delhomme continues to protect the football and make smart, veteran plays, the receiving corps should have a good foundation to build on.

Joshua Cribbs got the start in place of Massaquoi and showed that he is progressing at the receiver position. While fellow started Brian Robiskie failed to record a catch, Cribbs netted five receptions for 30 yards, including an athletic touchdown grab in the back corner of the endzone. Cribbs' route running is still a work in progress, but he showed that he can be effective after the catch on short routes, which is exactly what he did during the game. Cribbs is starting to look like he can excel this season as the third or fourth receiver, but does not yet look like a true starter at the position.

Another surprise at wide receiver was Chansi Stuckey, who led the Browns with 51 yards on three receptions. Stuckey showcased his speed and agility on one particularly impressive play where he avoided defenders and raced down the sideline, turning a short pass into a 28 yard gain.

One disappointing play occurred at the end of the game, with the Browns trailing by two points and less than two minutes to go Rookie receiver Carlton Mitchell beat his man down the sideline, but dropped a perfectly thrown ball from Brett Ratliff. The play would have moved the team closer to a game winning field goal. Ratliff threw an interception on the next play, and the game was essentially over.

The game proved that the wide receiver position has a long way to go before being regular season ready. Cribbs and Stuckey were the only wideouts to record a catch. While the wide receivers struggled to make plays, the tight ends showed that their position will be a position of strength in 2010. Benjamin Watson again shined, making three receptions which included a spectacular one-handed grab in the back of the endzone on a touchdown toss from Delhomme. Evan Moore and Alex Smith each added a reception and Robert Royal even got in on the action when he caught a long pass downfield for a 25 yard gain. Cleveland has a lot of talent and upside at the tight end position and these guys should be creating mis-matches all year long.

The Browns also got good receiving production out of the backfield. Jerome Harrison, Peyton Hillis and James Davis combined for four catches and 52 receiving yards. Having running backs who can catch well out of the backfield is a huge asset to any quarterback, and the Browns look to have a strength in this area as well.

Overall, the Browns played a decent game, but the five turnovers proved too costly. The important thing is that the coaching staff got a better idea of what they have to work with in 2010. Cribbs and Stuckey were able to produce and move a step closer to finding a permanent home in the Browns' receiving group.

The return of Massaquoi to the lineup should drastically improve production at the wide receiver position, but the group need to continue to develop before the start of the regular season. However, Cleveland looks to be ready to go at tight end and running back as receiving weapons for the upcoming season. With solid veteran play at quarterback, the Browns should continue to develop a consistent passing attack for 2010. The team gets its next chance next Saturday as the Browns visit the Detroit Lions.