Coaches often follow a poor preseason game by concluding, "At least we came out of it healthy."
Well, the Browns played poorly Friday night in Detroit, despite ending up with a 19-17 win. And they came out of it quite unhealthy.
CB Dimitri Patterson (ankle), WR Mohamed Massaquoi (head), TE Jordan Cameron (back) and DT Scott Paxson (knee) all departed under trainer supervision.
Each has significance. Patterson is slated to start if Joe Haden is indeed suspended four games for violating the league drug policy. Massaquoi, who has a history of concussions, is having easily his finest camp and was praised by coach Pat Shurmur for being the team's most improved player. Cameron has emerged as a candidate for extensive playing time. And Paxson is battling rookie John Hughes for the starting spot after Phil Taylor suffered a pectoral injury.
The Browns simply don't boast the depth to overcome a spate of injuries. The extent of each is unknown, and the regular season is a month away. But they have already lost weakside LB Chris Gocong (Achilles) for the season and probably strongside LB Scott Fujita (suspension for his alleged role in Bountygate) for three games.
And now the good news: The Browns must be encouraged by fleet WR Travis Benjamin, who has been one of the surprises of camp. He took the momentum and ran with it by grabbing 2 passes for 46 yards. Benjamin is more advanced as a route-runner than most expected. Fellow rookie Josh Cooper also showed sure hands. He finished with 3 catches -- a team high -- for 24 yards. The talent and depth of the receiving corps has been undeniably upgraded. It could not have regressed much from last year.
No QB controversy, please: Yes, backup QB Colt McCoy (6 of 8 for 88 yards, no INTs, no TDs) looked better than rookie Brandon Weeden, who was 3 of 9 for 62 yards and an interception. Weeden was just named the starter this week in the least surprising announcement in Browns history. McCoy's QB rating was 100 points higher, but one would not expect an outcry already, even among the antsiest Browns fans. Weeden actually looked good on a couple deep throws and this team is desperate to find a QB and WRs who can stretch the field vertically.
Run defense, pass protection terrible: The Browns finished 30th in the NFL a year ago in run defense. The loss of Taylor and Gocong don't provide optimism that it will improve. The Browns were shredded on the ground against the Lions, particularly outside the ends. The lack of depth and experience in the front seven could be cause for alarm. And so might the pass protection, though rookie RT Mitchell Schwartz might have just been a bit overwhelmed in his first NFL game. Weeden and McCoy were harassed time and again. If the Browns want to keep Weeden upright and in the pocket, where he's clearly more comfortable, they must shore up the pass protection.
Stay dialed in on the Cleveland Browns on Twitter at @CBSSportsNFLCLE throughout the season with on-site updates from CBSSports.com RapidReports correspondent Marty Gitlin.