The Browns will close out the 2012 preseason at Cleveland Browns Stadium on Thursday night against the Chicago Bears .
Head coach Pat Shurmur announced earlier this week that he will sit rookie starting quarterback Brandon Weeden, and start Colt McCoy, who is in a battle for the backup spot with veteran Seneca Wallace.
Thursday’s contest marks the ninth consecutive year the two teams have met in the preseason finale. In that time, the teams have split the series, with each winning four games.
Both teams come into Thursday’s game winning two of the three preseason games this year.
What to watch for:
Quarterbacks: With Brandon Weeden taking a seat for this final preseason game to rest for next week’s opener, Colt McCoy, who has a solid preseason, will get another chance to impress the coaching staff to keep him over Seneca Wallace. McCoy, this preseason, has completed 18 of 24 passes for 234 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions for an impressive quarterback rating of 119.1.
Wide Receivers: How many wide receivers will Pat Shurmur keep? Carlton Mitchell was cut earlier in the week, while rookies Travis Benjamin and Josh Gordon continue to develop, and will be called upon this season. Throw in Greg Little and Mohamed Massaquoi, and the Browns receiving corps may be complete. However, without Weeden is there this week, timing will be the biggest concern.
Running Backs: This has been an interesting battle, but Shurmur will not keep all four, so someone will have to go. Montario Hardesty looks to be safe, which leaves Brandon Jackson, Chris Ogbonnaya and Adonis Thomas to battle for the final two spots. Thomas could end up making the 53-man roster as a kick returner on special teams, but he has also been impressive on offense, rushing for 56 yards and a touchdown. Ogbonnaya may be the odd man out. Keep a close eye as to the rotation on Thursday night.
Defense: The Browns young defensive players have gotten plenty of chances to shine due to injuries. Billy Winn and John Hughes have been solid in place of an injured Phil Taylor and Atyba Rubin, who missed some time in camp as well. Taylor is expected back by the fourth or fifth week of the season and continues to be on track for that timetable.
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