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Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 Takeaways

By Erik Lambert

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Aug 29, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Cleveland Browns strong safety Ibraheim Campbell (30) pressures Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Their 31-7 romp was clear indication the Cleveland Browns have their pieces in place for 2015 while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers still have work to do.  Here are five takeaways from the action.

Jameis Winston will live or die by his protection

The main tag around Jameis Winston coming out of Florida State was an extremely talented young man with so much upside but still hasn’t learn how to handle pressure.  When he’s faced with it, he gets erratic and doesn’t take care of the football.  That was proven again in this game as the Browns sacked or pressured him repeatedly, causing him to misfire on nine of the 15 passes including an interception.  It’s proof that at least for this year, the #1 overall pick will be as good or bad as his offensive line is that week.

Doug Martin in line for Comeback Player of the Year

The good news is Winston should have a big friend in running back Doug Martin.  After a couple of down seasons plagued by injury, the former Pro Bowler seems ready to reclaim his all-too-briefly held spot among the best running backs in the NFL.  Health permitting, he should balance the offense nicely and could be in line to claim the Comeback Player of the Year honors depending on how well he does.  Averaging 5.9 yards per carry as he has this preseason is a start.

Edge rush still not there for Lovie Smith

Gerald McCoy is the rock in the middle of that Buccaneers defensive line but in order for that Lovie Smith scheme to function as it should, they need somebody to compliment him off the edge.  Thus far none has stepped up to meet the challenge.  George Johnson has flashed on occasion but outside of him it’s been rather quiet most of the preseason.  Until that changes this defense will be as inconsistent as its been all preseason.

Browns have the roster to help Josh McCown

Josh McCown is what he is at age 35.  He’s smart, experienced, and a good leader in the huddle who knows where to go with the football.  That was on display as he calmly distributed the football and had two touchdown passes.  He’s not a highlight-reel machine, but when surrounded by a strong supporting cast he has shown he can win football game.  The Browns appear to be at that stage with their roster.

Special teams could win Cleveland some games

Often a great way for teams to have success beyond the easiest route of a great quarterback is getting big plays from their special teams.  It looks like the Browns have not one but two big playmakers in their return game in Travis Benjamin and Shane Wynn, both of whom have produced big plays in the third phase the entire preseason.  If that continues, Cleveland could be winning games in a variety of ways this year.

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