Today the Browns made their final moves to get down to the 53-man roster.  Here are the moves:

Reserved/Injured

OG Lennie Friedman

Waived

TE Brad Cieslak

DB A.J. Davis

WR Efrem Hill

TE Kolomona Kapanui

DB Travis Key

OL James Lee

WR Lance Leggett

LB David McMillan

DB Brandon Mitchell

LB Chase Ortiz

OL Jonathan Palmer

DB Jereme Perry

DL Melila Purcell

K Jason Reda

WR Steve Sanders

WR Travis Wilson

Terminated – Vested Veteran

LB Shantee Orr

Waived/Injured

OL Derrick Morse

OL Marvin Philip

DL Chase Pittman

RB Travis Thomas

A few surprises here, but injuries truly forced the Browns hand.  Since Nathan Bennett had stayed healthy throughout camp, he gets a spot on the final roster over Morse, Philip, and Palmer.

The Browns cutting ties with WR Travis Wilson has been long overdue in the eyes of many, but now with the injuries at receiver it seemed likely a veteran like Wilson would make the cut.  The Browns must love the upside of rookie Paul Hubbard, despite and up and down preseason.

OT James Lee seemed to have built a niche' as a backup to both tackle spots, and seemed to have an edge over Isaac Sowells who had looked disappointing thus far.  Right now if something were to happen to starting left tackle Joe Thomas, the Browns would likely move either starting right tackle Kevin Shaffer back to the left, or move left guard Eric Steinbach outside.

Shantee Orr may be the biggest veteran name to lose his spot.  He had played decently during the preseason rotating between ILB and OLB, but he lacked a pass rush flair that Alex Hall gave.  It was mildly surprising to see the Browns cut both McMillan and Orr.

Starting on September 2nd, players eligible can be added to the 8-man Practice Squad.  This is my quick guess on the guys who could be brought back:

1.  Chase Ortiz, LB – He's a high motor guy, but he lacks burst and understanding of the linebacker position.  He is highly coach-able, and could be a nice project player.

2. Travis Key, SS – Key has nice playmaking ability and ball skills.  He is a bit small though and raw after walking on at Michigan State.

3. James Lee, OT – As mentioned before, he's a raw player but could be a project at left tackle.

4. Melila Purcell, DE – Purcell had solid games against the Lions and Bears, and was doing well against the run.  Right now it looks like injuries elsewhere forced the Browns to go thin on the DL, but having a player who knows their system available on hand would be nice should injuries hit the first wave.

Remember too that the Browns will bring in a few players from out side the organization for the Practice Squad.  Who do you see making the squad, and what are your thoughts on the cuts?  Post away.

- Brady Quinn improved upon a horrendous game against the Lions.

- Injuries could alter the final 53 man roster, which is looming on Saturday.

- The first team units played well, but the backups did not.

- The battle for roster spots in the secondary became a bit more clouded because of poor performances.

- The ghost of Brandon Rideau haunted the Browns. 

- Andra Davis continues to play well.

A full review to come soon!

Do the Browns really have a chance to go through the preseason winless? Of course. Would that really be a bad thing? Of course not.

The Browns last went winless in the preseason in 1972 when they finished 0-6. They went on to go 10-4 in the regular season only to lose to the undefeated Miami Dolphins in the first round of the playoffs.

Sure, there's something to be said about winning at least one game, but that's not what the Browns need to show. So what do they need to show? Onto the preview!

What to watch for:

- The play of the first team is the most critical thing in this game. While the last game had a close score, the first team offense and defense was terrible. It's tough to quantify who exactly needs to look good, though, because there are so many injuries.

Again, there will be no Derek Anderson, Joshua Cribbs, Braylon Edwards or Jamal Lewis on offense. Brodney Pool, Sean Jones and Willie McGinest won't play on defense.

So with all the injuries, the offensive line and defensive front seven should be under the microscope tonight. The defensive front seven will especially have to play better against the run.

- Tonight, the bubble will burst for several players. Receivers Syndric Steptoe, Lance Leggett, Travis Wilson, Efrem Hill and Paul Hubbard need to show something. The same can be said for defensive backs Gerard Lawson, A.J. Davis, Brandon Mitchell and Travis Key.

- The most enjoyable part of the preseason has been watching the development of seventh round draft pick Alex Hall. He should start his second straight game tonight in place of the injured McGinest and the mostly awful David McMillan.

Also see:
Chicago Sun Times: Staying healthy is key to final tuneup
Chicago Tribune: Last exhibition represents last chance for some Bears
Akron Beacon Journal: Browns' safety shines in media's spotlight

While the infamous Wikipedia can be less than reliable at times, something interesting was found while searching Ty Law's listing on the internet encyclopedia.  While the entry has now been changed yet again, this quotation became all the rage for a few hours:

"In an effort to help their secondary on August 26th the Browns signed Ty Law to a 2 year deal worth around 8 million dollars. He will step into the roster spot left vacant by Gary Baxter when he was cut earlier in the week."

This bit of info was originally uncovered by Scout.com.  No major media outlets are reporting this, so likely it is a farce done by a Wikipedia enthusiast.  Given the wording, I doubt that's for real.  As of right now, it doesn't look like Ty Law is a Brown…yet.

The Plain Dealer has reported the first wave of Browns moves.  The roster is now at 75 players.

Cut: DB Damon Jenkins, DL Brian Schaefering, RB Austin Scott
Reserve/Injured:  WR Kevin Kasper
Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform:  WR Joe Jurevicius

All are low key moves.  This weekend comes the real fun, as all NFL teams have to cut down to 53 players.  On an injury filled team, it should make Thursday's game with the Bears a bit more exciting.

Who do you think gets the boot this weekend?  Comment and let us know.

In a game with several big name players, in all three phases of the game, out due to injury, it was not pretty. The Browns were manhandled by an aggressive Lions team. The game marked Brady Quinn's first start for the Browns, and it's one he'd like to forget.

Quinn had a rough outing with the aggressive Lions front four, who were creating solid pressure all game. He had very little rhythm with the first team receivers, and overall erratic. Quinn had trouble hitting his receivers in stride, outside of a few quick outs to Stallworth late in the first half.

One thing that gets lost when talking about Quinn vs Anderson is Anderson's poise in the pocket. Anderson can get rid of the ball quickly and is not phased by the pass rush. Quinn, on the other hand, loses all of his mechanics when pressure is in face. Right now, Quinn is not ready to run the Browns offense. As much as he, and many other fans around the area, may not like it, Quinn is still a backup in 2008.

The game lacked much to be excited about. Yes it's the preseason, but a bad preseason coupled with a brutal September schedule could put the Browns in a big deficit. Just a note, no team has ever made the playoffs after starting out 0-3. The Browns need to show something against the Cowboys, Steelers, and Ravens in the first three weeks if they want to be taken seriously as a contender.

Game Balls

Offense – None deserving.

Defense – Shaun Rogers, NT

Rogers presence made a big impact against the ground game. The Giants moved the ball on the ground with ease in Week 2, and the Lions also had more trouble. Kevin Smith's 32-yard touchdown run in the second quarter was on a stretch play to the right side of the defense (More on this later). Rogers split the double team on several plays, and was creating trouble for the Lions interior offensive line. Can Rogers keep it up, though? He's a special talent who can change a game, but Detroit fans know all about that.

Special Teams – Syndric Stepoe, WR/RS

No Cribbs, no problem. Steptoe looked great returning kickoffs, and should help alleviate any worries the team has about Cribbs' high ankle sprain. Cribbs usually gives the Browns great field position on offense, and Steptoe kept it going.

Roster Battle

Defensive End – Melila Purcell vs Chase Pittman

In my 53-man roster prediction piece, I said that Purcell looked unimpressive so far. Well I doubt I can claim responsibility for his play on Saturday, but he showed up. Both Pittman and Purcell had big games against the run. Likely there is only room for one of them. This one could go down to the wire.

Running back – Jerome Harrison vs Travis Thomas/Austin Scott

Harrison should win out this battle, but he's not running away with it. Harrison still cannot pass block, and is a huge liability in that area. He showed some soft hands on passing plays and some wiggle as a runner, but not much else. Both Thomas and Scott have been less than stellar, though neither made any huge mistakes against the Lions.

Outside Linebacker – David McMillan vs Alex Hall

With Willie McGinest out, Hall was given the nod as a starter against the Lions. Against the Giants, McMillan earned the start. Hall is still very raw, but he was applying consistent pressure on the quarterback. His body control is great, and he uses his long frame to his advantage. McMillan had a solid, but not spectacular game. McMillan is fighting for a roster spot, but unless injuries to Peek and McGinest are much more serious, could be on the outside looking in.

Room for Improvement

Kamerion Wimbley, OLB – Wimbley still represents the team's most dynamic playmaker in the defensive front seven, but he runs himself out of too many plays. On Smith's touchdown run, Wimbley had shot so far upfield he was out of the play by his own design. In general, Wimbley overpursues and lacks touch.

D'Qwell Jackson, ILB – The second guilty culprit on the Smith run was Jackson. He cut back inside on the play, and was easily blocked. Jackson had a sophomore slump last year and needs to rebound. He's the front seven's sideline to sideline defender, and excelled versus the run as a rookie in 2006. The Browns need that linebacker to show up again.

Brandon McDonald, CB – McDonald played too soft on Saturday. He was giving receivers a huge cushion. Part of that was the defensive design, but after the catch he was slow to come up and make the tackle.

On the Upswing

Leon Williams, ILB – If Jackson falters, this could be his replacement. With rookie Beau Bell out, the Browns have been experimenting with Williams playing both inside spots. Williams is bigger and stronger against the run than Jackson, and has started to improve his overall game. He's not able to cover like Jackson, but his talent shouldn't be left on the bench. Plus, pairing him next to Wimbley in the base defense more often will help cover up Wimbley's weakness against the run.

Nick Sorensen, FS – A player, again, I had on the bubble, showed up on Saturday. Sorensen made a few nice plays in coverage in the first quarter, and stopped short a few first downs. With the secondary lacking any depth, Sorensen has a shot to stick on the final 53.

Since it's now late Sunday, I'll give you a quick preview of notes from yesterday's Lions game.  Tomorrow will be a nice full review.

- Brady Quinn is not ready to run the first team offense in regular season.

- Andra Davis is back…

- …but Leon Williams still needs to play.

- Kamerion Wimbley still cannot defend the run.

- Brandon McDonald is playing too tenative.

- Shaun Rogers has already made an impact (in a good way).

- Jerome Harrison shouldn't make the final roster, but probably will.

- My 53 man roster predictions already is flawed.

Check back tomorrow for a full writeup.

Note: No fancy graphic today. I left it on my work computer. The game is at 4 p.m. on NBC.

The Browns are officially the walking wounded coming into the third preseason game of the year. Quarterback Derek Anderson's concussion forces Brady Quinn into the starting lineup, which many fans will probably enjoy.

There's more to this game than the quarterback, though. All of the injuries will give backups a chance to show their ability against better competition. Although, referring to the Lions better competition is something of a stretch.

What to watch for:

- With no Braylon Edwards this week, players like Paul Hubbard, Lance Leggett, Travis Wilson and Syndric Steptoe will get increased playing time. Each has several reasons why they should or shouldn't make the team.

- After playing fairly poorly last week, the first-team offensive line has to look better this week. The Giants have a much fiercer pass rush than the Lions, but the line was atrocious last week. It is worth noting that the Lions plan on using defensive end Ikaika Alama-Francis at tackle on nickel plays, which the Giants routinely did last season with speedy end Justin Tuck.

- Although it's only preseason, it should be interesting to see the passion in defensive tackle Shaun Rogers. He's taken a high ground about things, but the Lions want to make him work.

- How long the starters on offense play. The third game of the preseason is generally the one where the starters play the longest. Quinn will play into the third quarter, so it should be interesting to see how long the rest of the offensive players are in the game. Do coaches risk further injuries or get players prepared for the regular season?

Key Browns injuries: Anderson (concussion), Josh Cribbs (ankle), Edwards (foot), Jamal Lewis (hamstring), Willie McGinest (groin) and Brodney Pool (concussion)

Also see:
Akron Beacon Journal: Quinn finally gets shot to play with first team
Plain Dealer: Eager to impress: QB Brady Quinn promises to 'have fun' in first start with Browns
Detroit Free Press: Five things to watch

With the preseason half-way finished, tough decisions are looming for the Browns.  The first roster cut down is coming up on August 26th, where teams have to go from 80 players to 75.  Then the final cutdown is August 30th, down to 53 players.  At that time eight player Practice Squads are established also.

This is a look and prediction at what the Browns final 53 man roster could look like.  Feel free to discuss and comment below. 

Quarterback (3) – Derek Anderson

Reserves -Brady Quinn, Ken Dorsey

Missing the Cut – none

No tough decisions to be made here.

Running back (3) – Jamal Lewis

Reserves -Jason Wright, Jerome Harrison

Missing the Cut – Travis Thomas, Austin Scott

The top two spots were set, but Harrison was in a battle with Thomas and Scott for the third running back job. Thomas has made big mistakes on special teams and in pass protection, and Scott has not much of note.

Fullback (2) – Lawrence Vickers

Reserves – Charles Ali

Missing the Cut – Kolo Kapanui

Ali has proven to be more than just a special teams ace since Vickers injury. Kapanui was cut out of both tight end and fullback duties in a numbers game.

Wide Receiver (5) – Braylon Edwards, Donte' Stallworth

Reserves – Travis Wilson, Syndric Steptoe, Paul Hubbard

Missing the Cut – Steve Sanders, Kevin Kasper, Efrem Hill, Lance Leggett

Hubbard's speed and size give him the upside the others lack, plus he's been more consistent in practice. Kasper has gotten rave reviews from the coaching staff, but he's not healthy enough to make the field. Leggett just doesn't have the hands or concentration.

Tight End (3) – Kellen Winslow II

Reserves – Steve Heiden, Martin Rucker

Missing the Cut – Darnell Dinkins, Brad Cieslak

Rucker's injury plays a big factor here. If his rehab is slowed down and he misses much past the first month of the season, the team may put him on injured reserve. If that's the case, look for Dinkins to make the final squad. An interesting note is that the Ravens are thinned out at tight end due to injury, so Phil Savage may have to play this one wisely.

Offensive Line (10) – Joe Thomas (LT), Eric Steinbach (LG), Hank Fraley (C), Rex Hadnot (RG), Kevin Shaffer (RT)

Reserves – James Lee, Lennie Friedman, Ryan Tucker, Seth McKinney, Derrick Morse

Missing the Cut – Nathan Bennett, Jonathan Palmer, Isaac Sowells, Marvin Philip

The only surprise here could be Sowells, who's not looked impressive thus far in preseason. Carrying ten linemen might be a bit much, but carrying a backup tackle in Lee is a must. Along with the injury concerns at guard forces the team to keep Morse, the best of the rookies the team has brought in thus far.

Defensive Line (6) – Corey Williams (LE), Shaun Rogers (NT), Robaire Smith (RE)

Reserves – Shaun Smith, Louis Leonard, Chase Pittman

Missing the Cut – Ahtyba Rubin, Melila Purcell, Brian Schaefering

Last year the defensive line lacked depth, and this year the team may be forced to go light again on the line. The talent on the front line has been upgraded, but the subs are still lackluster outside of Smith.

Linebacker (8) – Willie McGinest (LOLB), Andra Davis (LILB), D'Qwell Jackson (RILB), Kamerion Wimbley (ROLB)

Reserves – Antwan Peek, Beau Bell, Kris Griffin, Leon Williams, Alex Hall

Missing the Cut – Shantee Orr, Chase Ortiz, David McMillan

With injuries to Bell, Peek, and McGinest the Browns will be thin at linebacker for the early portion of the season. Kris Griffin could be on the bubble, but his special teams play is superb. Hall's upside beats out the athletically limited Ortiz, and the under-performing McMillan. Orr was the toughest cut here, and may be the one player they do keep.

Cornerback (6) – Eric Wright (LCB), Brandon McDonald (RCB)

Reserves – Terry Cousin, Travis Daniels, Jereme Perry, Gerard Lawson

Missing the Cut – A.J. Davis

Despite the problems in the secondary and the lack of performance, the Browns will likely be forced to go deeper here. Perry's a near lock to make the squad because of his familiarity with the coaching staff, which pushes Davis out the door. Gerald Lawson has shown some nice burst and coverage skills, and could earn a developmental spot on the roster.

Safety (3) – Sean Jones (SS), Brodney Pool (FS) Reserves – Mike Adams Missing the Cut – Nick Sorensen, Travis Key, Brandon Mitchell

The Browns can afford to go a bit thinner at safety because of the addition of Daniels, who can play safety also. Mike Adams will clearly be playing a bigger role this season, and should shuttle between corner and safety on passing downs. Sorensen's special teams play was not enough to hold him a roster spot.

Kicker (1) – Phil Dawson

Missing the Cut – Jason Reda

Reda was given a tryout as a kickoff specialist, but with the injuries elsewhere, the Browns cannot afford the luxury of a kickoff specialist.

Punter (1) – Dave Zastudil

Missing the Cut – none

Long Snapper (1) – Ryan Pontbriand

Missing the Cut – none

Return Specialist (1) – Joshua Cribbs

Missing the Cut – none

Cribbs' role is clearly defined, but watch out for the high ankle sprain he suffered in the Giants preseason game this past week. Keeping Steptoe is that much more important if Cribbs is injured.

Roster Exemptions – WR Joe Jurevicius (PUP), DE Christian Mohr (Practice Squad-International Player), CB Daven Holly (IR).

Projected Practice Squad (using only players currently on roster) – CB A.J. Davis, OL Jonathan Palmer, OLB Chase Ortiz, DT Brian Schaefering, RB Travis Thomas, TE/FB Kolo Kapanui, WR Lance Leggett, DT Ahytba Rubin, DE Christian Mohr (International Player).

-The concussion suffered by Derek Anderson is only minor, but he's expected to sit out the remainder of the preseason.

-Joshua Cribbs is likely out until Week 1 with a high ankle sprain. No big deal. Syndric Steptoe will take his place.

-There is no word on the injuries to safety Brodney Pool, linebacker Leon Williams or fifth-string tight end Brad Cieslak.

Terry Pluto of the Plain Dealer took a level-headed approach to the disastrous game against the Giants.