Detroit Lions vs. Cleveland Browns: 5 Questions with Dawg Pound Daily
By Zac Snyder
Aug 8, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back
(28) takes the field before a preseason game against the St. Louis Rams at FirstEnergy Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Lions have made their way to Cleveland to take on the Browns in preseason game number two. In anticipation of tonight’s game, I got together for a quick Q&A with Pete Smith of Dawg Pound Daily.
1. What has the general vibe been like in Browns camp so far?
"The general vibe is positive and the sense is the Browns are improving. The feeling is they have a much better coaching staff and organization in general. Chud has handled the job well and really been good at making fans feel confident in him as a coach and the Preseason Opener against the Rams where the offense, defense, and special teams all came out firing only worked to increase that sense."
2. Give us a hot Browns position battle Lions fans can watch.
"At least for this exact moment in time, the other battles have been momentarily decided by injuries, so the one to watch is Free Safety. Tashaun Gipson, Johnson Bademosi, and Jamoris Slaughter makeup the largely anonymous group fighting for that job. Gipson is believed to be the favorite but it is not decided yet."
3. Was there anything that surprised you in the Browns first preseason game?
"If there was a surprise in the first preseason game against the Rams, it was just how prepared the team looked. The offense came out and was effective, scoring on the first two drives. The defense forced a fumble and then a punt, and that punt yielded a return touchdown. This may be more of an indication of where the Rams are, but the Browns looked ready to go in the first unit."
4. Do you expect Trent Richardson to take a big step forward this season?
"Trent Richardson should breakout this year. He had a legitimate offseason this year after missing all of camp last year with arthroscopic knee surgery and then the second his knee was healthy, he broke his ribs. This year, he feels great, he is lighter, he is not wearing a flak jacket, and with the offensive line in front of him, he is primed to have a huge year. Considering he was the third pick of last year, he has to be the focal point of the Browns offense and all indications are he will be."
5. Eyes tend to get drawn to first round picks, how has Barkevious Mingo looked in camp and in the first preseason game?
"Fast. Barkevious Mingo flies around the football field like a corner. In the first preseason game, he showed the whole package. He was the first guy down on kickoff coverage on the Browns first kickoff and made a tackle. When he was in at linebacker, he flew around the field and was active and ultimately got to the quarterback a number of times. With that, he also showed how much work he still has to do technique-wise and how he needs to improve his angles. Regardless of when he is right or wrong, it is difficult to stop watching Mingo when he is on the field because he is that explosive."
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