Browns vs. Colts: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Time and Predictions
By Chris Roling
Oct. 21, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) is congratulated by Colts tight ends Dwayne Allen (83) and Coby Fleener (80) after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports.
The Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts will meet in the most important week of the preseason in Week 3, otherwise known as the week when teams play their starters the most in preparation for the season.
Indy is looking to make another playoff appearance, while the Browns are just trying to get there in the toughest division in football.
Here is a full breakdown.
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium
When: August 24, 2013, 7:00 PM ET
Watch: WKYC 3 (NBC – Cleveland), WNDY 23 (MyTV – Indianapolis)
Live Stream: NFL Preseason Live
Browns Player to Watch: Travis Benjamin
Aug 8, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) Cleveland Browns wide receiver Travis Benjamin (80) runs the ball 91 yards on a punt return for a touchdown in the second quarter against the St. Louis Rams at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The Browns have a No. 1 receiver in Josh Gordon once he gets back from suspension, but behind him things are a bit up in the air. Youngster Travis Benjamin is a serious name to watch.
Many thought the addition of Davone Bess from Miami spelled the end of Benjamin’s starting opportunity in the slot, but he has had a massive preseason thus far. Not only does he contribute on offense, he is a dynamic returns who is worthy of your attention as he fights for time.
Colts Player to Watch: Coby Fleener
Aug 11, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Coby Fleener (80) has a catch broken up by Buffalo Bills linebacker Kiko Alonso (50) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Buffalo defeats Indianapolis 44-20. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Fleener took a bit of a backseat to Dwayne Allen last year despite having chemistry with Andrew Luck because the two played together in college.
Fleener fumbled last week in a mediocre performance and is at risk to sit behind Allen once more if he continues to struggle. There is no denying Fleener’s talent, but at one point or another he is going to have to put together a nice string of games to keep himself in the conversation.
Matchup to Watch: Browns Defense vs. Indy Passing Attack
Aug 15, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) prepares to take the field against the Detroit Lions at FirstEnergy Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
The Browns are still ironing out the kinks in a new defensive front loaded with talent. The unit faces huge test in preseason Week 3 against a Colts passing offense led by Luck.
Much of the success of the defense is going to depend on getting pressure on the quarterback. With Barkevious Mingo sidelined with a bruised lung, linebackers and the line itself are going to have to step up and show something or risk getting torched.
Prediction
Sep 16, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts player Coby Fleener (80) runs after catching a pass while Minnesota Vikings defender Jasper Brinkley (54) makes the tackle during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
The Browns are a very solid team on paper, but the Colts are going to be hard to overcome thanks to Luck. Both sides of the football are improved after a trip to the postseason last year, so expect the Colts to come away with the win.
Browns 17, Colts 27