Cleveland Browns 18 vs 18 Philadelphia Eagles summary: stats and highlights | NFL Preseason
The Philadelphia Eagles and the Cleveland Browns played to an 18-18 tie on Thursday night from Lincoln Financial Field. Rookie quarterbacks for both teams continued to impress, but it was Browns receiver Austin Watkins Jr who stole the spotlight with a 139 yard game.
Defenses step up early
Browns coach Kevin Stefan-ski said early in the week that neither Deshaun Watson or many of his first teamers were going to play in the Browns third preseason game this month. Instead, it was Dorian Thompson-Robinson who took the stage under center to start the game, and came out with a brilliant drive to open the night, but John Kelly’s fumble at the two yard line left points on the board with a turnover inside the five.
Just two plays later it was the Cleveland defense making a big play and putting the first points the board. Mohamoud Diabate broke through the line and dragged down Kenneth Gainwell in the end zone for a safety to break the deadlock early in the first quarter.
Diabate was responsible for another forced turnover later in the half when he stripped Trey Sermon. The recovery by Cameron Mitchell would lead to a Caden York FG.
DTR and McKee thriving
With no Jalen Hurts under center, the Eagles struggled to move the ball in the first two quarters. Marcus Mariota was just 9/17 and threw an interception with led to a second York field goal. Cleveland dominated the time of possession in the first half, holding the ball for 22 of the first 30 minutes.
The Eagles looked like a different team coming out of the halftime break as Tanner McKee took over under center. He led Philly down the field with some terrific passes before Sermon broke free on a 33 yard TD run to give his side the lead and put the first half fumble in the rear view.
Kellen Mond was given a chance to impress in the second half, and would take the lead back for the Browns with a 32 yard back shoulder throw for a TD to Austin Watkins Jr. who was the best player on the field. The Cleveland WR went for 139 yards on seven catches.
York misses two game winners
Philly drove down the field with McKee running the show and got to within the 5 yard line, but went for it on fourth down and Deon Cain couldn’t reel in the catch from the back of the end zone, but they McKee wasn’t done there.
Midway through the final quarter McKee orchestrated another TD drive with a couple of 20+ yard passes, the second one connected with Brady Russell for a TD and then Johnny King’s two yard catch for the two-point conversion tied the game at 18-18.
Both teams had their chances to take the lead, but none were better than Caden York’s two missed field goals. He missed his first attempt from 46 yards, and after an illegal formation on the defense, he missed for 41 yards as the two teams settled for a tie.
Tanner McKee turned the night around for the Eagles offense. He came on in the second half and they looked like a different team. He ended the night 10/18 for 147 yards a TD and the game tying two point conversion.
We can talk about the rookie QBs all we want but Austin Watkins Jr. had a sensational night, going for 139 yards on 7 catches including this TD catch and run to put the Browns up.
Sermon made amends for his earlier fumble with a 33 yard TD sprint to give the Eagles their first lead since 3-2.
DTR got the start on Thursday and had another brilliant performance going 13/25 for 164 yards and added 18 rushing yards on top of that.
Two plays after the fumble it was the Browns defense who made a big play to put the first points on the board as Mohoumad Diabate dropped Kenneth Gainwell in the endzone for a safety.
Cleveland drove right down the field on the first drive of the game, but Philly came up with a huge turnover inside the five after stripping John Kelly Jr.
Mond found Harley on the right sideline but he was tackled inbounds and that will bring an end to the game!
We settle for a tie tonight from Philly!
Mond finds Mitchell-Paden for a 2 yard hitch route and that will move the chians but there are just 8 seconds left after the timeout.
1st and 10 from the CLE 39.
Mond's pass to Schwartz is incomplete.
3rd and 2 from the CLE 37.
Mond finds Schwartz on the right side for 13 yards and the Browns take a timeout with 20 seconds left.
2nd and 2 from the CLE 37.
Mond was pressured from behind and threw the first down pass away.
1st and 15 from the CLE 24 after an illegal shift penalty on CLE.
CLE will get the ball back from the 29 yard line with 32 second to go.
McKee is dropped for a seven yard loss by Togiai and the Browns will take a timeout with 40 second to go before the PHI punt.
McKee's pass to Haselwood over the middle was just behind him and it's 3rd and 10 with 45 seconds to go.
McKee's pass is incomplete to King on first down with under 50 to go.
2nd and 10 from the PHI 44.
McKee finds Brooks on the left side for a five yard pick up to move the chains!
1st and 10 from the PHI 44.
Slant pattern for King and McKee finds hit for the 21 yard catch and run!
3rd and 1 from the PHi 40.
McKee is dropped in the backfield for a 4 yard loss after Wiley broke through.
2nd and 22 from the PHI 19.
Brooks is pushed out of bounds after a 7 yard pick up but a holding flag will back the Eagles up.
1st and 18 from the PHI 23.
MISSED FIELD GOAL!!!
York missed the second one from 41!!! He pushed the first miss and pulled the second try!
PHI take over from their 31 with just under 2:00 to go.
York missed the 46 yard kick, but the Eagles are flagged for an illegal formation penalty.
York will get another try.
Mond finds Felton out of the backfield on the sidleline but he is cut down after a short gain of three.
4th and 9 coming up and the Browns will try a FG after the Two Minute Warning.
Mond's pass to Watkins on the slant falls incomplete after the coverage was good from Philly.
3rd and 12 from the PHI 32.
Felton is dropped for a two yard loss and the Eagles call a timeout with 2:35 to go in the fourth.
2nd and 12 from the PHi 32 coming up.
Felton runs right and keeps the drive alive with a 6 yard gain.
1st and 10 from the PHI 30.
Mond going to the air on first down and he finds Schwartz for 6 yards on first down.
2nd and 4 from the PHI 36.
Felton moves the chains on 3rd down with a four yard run to the right.
1st and 10 from the PHI 42.
Mond goes for Watkins on the deep out and Ricks did a great job batting away the pass.
3rd and 3 from the PHI 46.
Felton runs right on first down, and he gets seven before getting pushed out of bounds.
2nd and 3 from the PHI 46.
CLE start their drive from the 32 yard line and Mond finds Watkins on a slant pattern for a 15 yard first down gain.
1st and 10 from the CLE 47.
McKee has looked poised, calm, accurate and ready to assume the second string QB role. This 22 yard pass and two point conversion ties the game with 6 minutes to go.
TOUCHDOWN EAGLES!!!
McKee with the play action from the shot gun and he rolls right finding Russell for the 22 yard TD!! The Two point conversion is good after King makes a tough catch on a short slant
We are all tied up at 18 with 6:09 to go in the fourth quarter!
The Eagles go for it on 4th down and this time Brooks picks it up as he fights for 5 yards.
1st and 10 from the CLE 22.
On 3rd and short, Brooks is stopped short of the marker!
4th and 1 coming up.
McKee looking for Ngata over the middle this time and they connect for 5 yards.
3rd and short coming up from the CLE 28.
Brooks up the middle for 3 yards on first down.
2nd and 7 from the CLE 33.
Philly start their drive from their 43 and McKee loops one over the top to Ngata on the left sideline for 22 yards!
1st and 10 from the CLE 35.
Mond looks over the middle for Watkins who was open but he couldn't keep possession before the ball hit the ground.
4th and 8 coming up and the Browns will punt.
Mond's quick pass to Hall hits off the RBs hands before taking a big hit on the sideline.
3rd and 8 from the CLE 17.
Hall gets the first down run and he picks up 2 yards on the run to the right side.
2nd and 8 from the CLE 17
On 3rd and 4 Mond scramble for his life, dodging defenders and picks up the first down!
1st and 10 from the CLE 15 after the 6 yard pick up.
TURNOVER ON DOWNS!!!
McKee rolls to his right, and had Cain in the back of the end zone but he couldn't make the leaping catch.
CLE take the ball back with 11 to go in the fourth.
McKee looks for the quick slant to Ngata, but the pass is batted up in the air.
4th and Goal and the Eagles are going for it.
Brooks up the middle again on second down and he picks up 2.
3rd and Goal coming up from the 3.
Brooks up the middle for 5 yards.
2nd and Goal from the 5.
McKee finds Jackson on the right side and he gets pushed out of bounds inside the 10 yard line after a 35 yard completion.
1st and Goal from the CLE 10.
McKee's pass to Cain fall incomplete but a PI flag is thrown on CLE.
1st and 10 form the CLE 45 after the flag.
McDee finds Arnold on the right sideline for five yards.
3rd and 4 from the PHI 43.
Brooks gets another first down run, but this time picks up just a yard.
2nd and 9 from the PHI 38.
PHI get the ball with a chance to tie the game as Brooks gets the first down hand off and takes it 10 yards to start the drive.
1st and 10 from the PHI 37.
FIELD GOAL BROWNS!!!
Mond hits his third FG of the night, this one rom 43 yards and the Browns lead by a TD and a two point conversion.
CLE lead 18-100 with 14:48 to go in the fourth quarter.
Mond's pass to Schwartz falls incomplete and the Browns FG unit comes on.
Mond's first pass of the fourth quarter is batted down at the line.
3rd and 5 fro the PHI 24.
After an encroachment call, Mond's pass to Greaney is incomplete.
That will take us to the end of the third quarter with the Browns leading 15-10.
Mond converts the fourth down with a short pass to Schwartz who stopped right at the marker.
1st and 10 from the PHI 30.
Hall gets the handoff on third down and he fights his way for a gain of three.
4th and 2 and the Browns might go for it from the PHI 33.
Mond had some pressure coming out of the play action and rushed his throw to Harley.
3rd and 5 from the PHI 36.
Wilkins gets the first down run, and picks up 5 yards.
2nd and 5 from the PHI 36.
Crossing pattern over the middle to Wilkins and that nine yard gain will move the chains.
1st and 10 from the PHI 41.
CLE get the ball back at their 44, and Wilkins gets 7 yards on the first down run.
2nd and 3 from the PHI 49.
McKee's short pass to Allen was batted away and the Eagles will punt after the flag backed them up on first down.
4th and 14 from the PHI 21.
McKee finds Jackson on the short stop route for a six yard gain.
3rd and 15 from the PHI 21
McKee steps up in the pocket but throws the ball away as he felt the pressure from behind.
2nd and 20 from the PHI 15.
PHI start their drive from the 25 and McKee finds Allen in the flat for a gain of three, but a pass interference on the offense will back the Eagles up.
1st and 20 from the PHI 15.
TOUCHDOWN BROWNS!!!
Mond hit Watkins on a back shoulder throw, and even though he bobbled the catch he reels it in turns up the sideline and gets into the end zone for a 32 yard TD!!!
CLE lead 15-10 with 5:17 to go in the third quarter.
Hall is wrapped up in the backfield for a loss of two yards.
3rd and 7 from the PHI 32.
Mond finds Hall out of the backfield and that pass goes for a 5 yard gain.
2nd and 5 from the PHI 30.
Mond and the Browns start the drive at the 42 and Mond drops a perfect lob over the top and Watkins makes a one handed snag for 23 yards!
1st and 10 from the PHI 35.
Cleveland is currently getting carted off the field after taking a hard fall on his head trying to make that catch.
Not a bad pass again from McKee looking for Cleveland, but the WR couldn't make the catch after landing hard on his helmet.
3rd and 9 from the PHI 16.
Sermon up the middle on second down and he picks up a yard.
2nd and 9 from the PHI 16.
McKee starts the drive with a phenomenal back shoulder to Cain, but he couldn't reel in the catch.
2nd and 10 from the PHI 15.
Mond's pass to the flat hit Hall in the hands but he dropped it.
4th and 14 from the CLE 44 and the Eagles will punt.
Cunningham blows up that sweep to the left side dropping Hall for a loss of 4.
3rd and 14 from the CLE 44.
Mond on the bootleg to the left side, but his pass to Watkins was behind the WR.
2nd and 10 from the CLE 48.
Hall bounces off a couple tackles on the right side and picks up a first down with a 13 yard run.
1st and 10 from the CLE 48.
Mond moves the chains on a QB sneak for a yard.
1st and 10 from the CLE 35.
Mond's first throw in complete to Hall over the middle and it will be 3rd and short after a 6 yard pick up.
3rd and 1 from the CLE 34.
Here comes Kellen Mond and the Browns. Mond hands it off to Hall for a three yard run on first down.
2nd and 7 from the CLE 28.
Sermon fumbled in the first half, but bounces back with this big run to give the Eagles the lead early in the second half.
TOUCHDOWN PHILLY!!!
The game's first TD comes for Sermon on a 33 yard sprint to the end zone to give the Eagles the lead back!
PHI lead 10-8 early in the third quarter!
McKee finds Allen on the pass to the right side for a 15 yard pitch and catch.
1st and 10 from the CLE 33.
McKee tucks and runs, but gets taken down at the line of scrimmage.
2nd and 10 from the CLE 48.
Sermon gets the handoff after PHI goes no huddle and takes it 10 yards up the middle.
1st and 10 from the CLE 48.
McKee's first throw is perfect on an out route to Ngata for a gain of 12 yards and a first down.
1st and 10 from the PHI 42.
Tanner McKee starts the second half at QB and he hands it off to Sermon for a 5 yard gain.
2nd and 5 from the PHI 30.
WE ARE BACK IN PLAY FROM PHILLY FOR THE SECOND HALF OF ACTION.
DTR had another rock solid performance. His night is probably over, but he has to getting some serious consideration for the QB2 role.
Diabate came up with a second big play with a perfect punch of the ball on Sermon which led to the second Cade York FG of the second quarter.
Mohamoud Diabate had himself a first half. He started the game with a safety after wrapping up Gainwell in the endzone to put the first points on the board.
It was Philly coming up with the first big defensive play, when they stripped Kelly on the two yard line, and came up with a goal line stand.
QB comparison
DTR is likely done for the night, but he had another strong performance, going 13/25 for 164 yards and had 4 rushes for 18 yard.
Mariota went 9/17 for 85 yards and struggled to get the Eagles offense going for most of the half.
HALFTIME!!!
That will bring us to the end of the first half and the Browns lead 8-3 after a few forced turnovers and a couple of Cade York FGs.
Mariota finds Arnold over the middle for an 8 yard gain.
2nd and 2 fro the PHI 38.
Mariota scrambles for a 5 yard gain and he picks up the first down while stopping the clock at 29.
1st and 10 from the PHI 30.
Mariota finds Allen on a short pass to the right side and PHI calls a timeout after the 6 yard gain.
2nd and 4 from the PHI 25.
DTR was flushed out the pocket and felt the pressure in his face and he just throws it away.
4th and 3 coming up and the Browns will punt with 50 seconds to go.
DTRs pass to Schwartz on the in route skipped off the turf before reaching the WR.
3rd and 3 coming up.
DTR tucks and runs on first down and picks up 7 as the clock continues to run.
2nd and 3 from the CLE 39.
The Browns bring the blitz on 3rd and long and drop `Mariota for a big loss!
4th and long and the Eagles will punt with 1:45 to go in the half.
After a false start coming out of the Two Minute Warning, Mariota found Driscoll for a 6 yard gain on the crossing route.
3rd and 9 from the PHI 36.
Mariota's pass deep down the middle was too far infront of Cain and that will take us to the Two Minute Warning.
2nd and 10 from the PHI 35 coming up.
PHI take over from the 21 and it's Two Minute Drill time. Mariota found Ward with a slant pattern which picked up 14 yards to move the chains!
1st and 10 from the PHI 35.
FIELD GOAL BROWNS!!!
York comes back on the field for the second time in a matter of minutes and he knocks home the 37 yarder.
CLE are up 8-3 with 2:29 to go in the first half.
A couple of incomplete passes from DTR lead to the FG unit coming on for 4th and long.
DTR on the short pass to Hall on the sideline and he was lucky that wasn't picked because it would have gone for six.
2nd and 18 from the PHI 19.
Hall wiggled his way down to the one on a shifty run, but a holding call will bring the Browns back to the 19.
1st and 18 from the 19.
DTR looking down the right side for Watkins and he fires a strike into the numbers of Watkins for a 27 yard gain!
1st and 10 from the PHI 11.
DTR finds Forristall on the left side he gets 8 yards on the catch and run.
3rd and 3 from the PHI 38.
Hall gets the first down run, but he is swallowed up for a two yard loss.
2nd and 12 from the PHI 47.
FUMBLE!!!
Mariota found Sermon on the screen pass and he was trucking down the field before getting stripped by Diabate and Mitchell scoops up the fumble!
1st and 10 from the PHI 45!
PHI start their drive from the 23 and Sermon gets 4 yards on first down.
2nd and 6 from the PHI 27.
FIELD GOAL CLEVELAND!!!
The Browns FG unit comes on to the field for the first time and York drills the 43 yarder to put Cleveland back in the lead.
CLE are up 5-3 with 6:10 to go in the first half.
DTR targeted Kelly on the crossing route, but the RB couldn't reel in the one handed catch.
4th and 5 coming up and the Browns will try a FG for the first time.
Kelly gets a second straight handoff and picks up a yard.
3rd and 5 from the PHI 25.
Kelly gets the handoff on first down and he picks up 4 yards.
2nd and 6 from the PHI 26.
DTR hangs in the pocket and delivers a strike to Watkins for a 22 yard pitch and catch on the right sideline.
1st and 10 from the PHI 30.
DTR finds Watkins on the right side and he picks up 8 before getting pushed out of bounds.
1st and 10 from the CLE 48.
CLE start their drive from the 38 after the punt and Kelly gets two yards on the first down run.
2nd and 8 from the CLE 40.
A couple false starts back up the Eagles ten yards, and on 3rd and 10, Mariota's pass to Ward was just a bit too far out infront of him and the Eagles will punt.
4th and 10 from the 20 after a three and out.
Penny gets the handoff on 2nd and short, and he picks up 2 yards.
3rd and 1 from the PHI 29.
PHI take over from the 20 after the punt goes into the endzone and Mariota finds Calcaterra over the middle for a 7 yard gain.
2nd and 3 from the PHI 27.
DTR looking over the middle for Wayne but the pass was batted up in the air and should have been picked but the D Lineman couldn't make the catch.
4th and 6 from the PHI 47.
Felton gets the hand off and takes it four yards on the right side.
3rd and 6 from the PHI 47.
DTR got plenty of protection and went long for Waktins, but that pass was no where near the WR.
2nd and 10 from the CLE 49.
Screen play drawn up for Felton and he follows his blocks for 12 yards and a first down!
1st and 10 from the CLE 49.
DTR looking for Schwartz, but the coverage was good and the pass falls incomplete. There was a holding call on CLE so the Eagles will back up the Browns for 3rd and 12 instead of 4th and short.
After a neutral zone infraction, DTR tucks and runs, breaks a few tackles and dives forward for a gain of 8 yards.
3rd and 2 from the CLE 47.
Smith read the reverse from the Browns and pulled Schwartz down for a four yard loss.
2nd and 14 from the CLE 35.
On 3rd and 5 after the penalty DTR finds Harley Jr. on the out route for a 7 yard pitch and catch and that will move the chains.
1st and 10 from the CLE 39.
Felton gets the handoff and he cuts it out to the left side, gets a block from DTR and picks up the first down after a 12 yard run, but it's coming back after DTR was called for an illegal block in the back!
3rd and long coming up, but first we will go to a quarter change! PHI leads 3-2 after 15 minutes for Lincoln Financial Field!
DTR drops back and he finds Watkins on the left side for 12 yards to make it 3rd and manageable.
3rd and 2 from the CLE 35.
The Browns take over from the CLE 27 and Felton is dropped for a four yard loss as Elliss broke into the backfield.
2nd and 14 from the CLE 23.
INTERCEPTION!!!
Mariota looking deep over the middle for Calcaterra, but he overthrew his WR again, and Hickman scoops it off the turf for the INT!!!
CLE take over after the second forced TO.
Mariota looking for Ngata down the left sideline but that throw came nowhere close.
2nd and 10 from the PHI 49.
Penny finds an opening on the left side and breaks a big run of 16 yards to move the chains.
1st and 10 from the CLE 49.
WR screen to Cleveland, but Mariota's pass was deflected by the D liine.
2nd and 10 from the PHI 33.
DTR tried to step up in the pocket, but he was dragged down by Street and Elliss for a one yard loss.
The Browns will punt again after another three and out.
Kelly with the run to the right side and he gets 6 yards on second down.
3rd and 4 from the CLE 16.
The Browns begin their drive from the 10 yard line after a hold on the run back and the first down snap was fumbled, but recovered by CLE.
2nd and 10 from the CLE 10
FIELD GOAL PHILLY!
Elliott comes on for the first time tonight and he drills the 56 yarder to give the Eagles their first lead of the night.
PHI lead 3-2 after 10 minutes.
Mariota seeking Zacceaus on the left side but the pass falls incompete and the Eagles will bring out the FG unit.
4th and 10 from the CLE 38.
Scott gets the handoff and his is pushed out of bounds after losing a yard.
3rd and 10 from the CLE 38.
Mariota looking back to Ward in the flat, but this time the defense was ready and they drop him after just a yard
2nd and 9 from the CLE 37.
Quick slant from Ward to and he breaks a catch and run for 14 yards and a first down.
1st and 10 from the CLE 38.
Gainwell to the left side and picks up 8 on the run.
3rd and 2 from the PHI 48.
Mariota looking for Zaccheaus down the right sideline, but that pass was overthrown.
2nd and 10 from the PHI 40.
Mariota found Zaccheaus in the flat uncovered and he turned on the jets and moves the chains after a 17 yard gain.
1st and 10 from the PHI 40.
The Eagles start their second drive from their 28 and Mariotta is dropped for a loss of 5 by Hurst!
2nd and 15 from the PHI 23.
The good news for the Eagles was short lived as Diabate broke into the backfield and dropped Gainwell for a safety.
The Eagles kept the Browns out of the endzone on the first drive of the game with this goal line forced fumble on the 2 yard line.
DTR was looking for Schwartz again and that pass falls incomplete as the Browns drive comes to a halt.
4th and 10 from the CLE 29 and the Browns will punt.
Felton gets five yards on the 2nd down run.
3rd and 10 from the CLE 29.
DTR's back shoulder throw was caught by Schwartz but as he fell to the ground he didn't get any body part down before falling out of bounds. An illegal man down field will back up the Browns five yards.
2nd and 15 from the CLE 24.
CLE start their second drive from their 29 and DTR threw it behind Schwartz after hanging on to it a little too long.
2nd and 10 from the CLE 29.
SAFTEY!!!
Gainwell is tackled by Diabate in the backfield and he didn't break the plane!!! That will be a saftey and the Browns take the first lead of the night!!!
CLE lead 2-0 early in the first quarter.
Mariota running the offense for PHI as Hurts sits a second straight game out. His pass to the left to Calcaterra falls just short.
2nd and 10 from the PHI 2.
FUMBLE!!!
Kelly got the handoff looking to punch it in for a TD but was stripped and the Eagles recover! Wallace jumped on the loose ball and the Browns let a chance to score slip through their finger tips.
1st and 10 for PHI from the 2.
The Browns go for it inside the 10 and DTR uses his legs to pick up the first down and gets a flag thrown for a late hit on the defense!
1st and Goal from the PHI 2.
DTR over the middle to Tillman on the run and he makes a dash towards the marker but is stopped just short of the first down.
4th and 1 from the PHI 7.
DTR's back shoulder thrown was just behind Tillman at the pylon.
3rd and 8 from the CLE PHI 14.
Kelly up the middle and he was stopped for a short gain of two.
2nd and 8 from the PHI 14.
DTR takes a shot downfield for Tillman on the left sideline and he finds his WR who was double covered but went up and dragged it in for a 36 yard pitch and catch!
1st and 10 from the PHII 16.
Schwartz with a short hitch route and DTR hit him in the numbers to move the chains on an 11 yard pick up.
1st and 10 from the CLE 48.
Kelly picks up three yards on a run up the middle.
3rd and 7 from the CLE 37.
DTR looks for the throw over the top for Bell, but just overshot his WR.
2nd and 10 from the CLE 34.
On 3rd and long DTR hits Tillman on a 15 yard dart right at the marker and that will be enough to move the chains.
1st and 10 from the CLE 34.
DTR slides out of the pocked and hits Ball over the middle for five yards, but a holding call will bring that play and the Browns back 10 yards.
3rd and 14 coming up after the penalty.
DTR looks to the left side on a quick pass as PHI brought the pressure and found Kelly for three yards.
3rd and 4 frrom the CLE 29 comiong up.
The Browns get the ball first and here comes Darious Thompson-Robinson who gets the start tonight. He hands off to Kelly on the first snap of the game and the first down run gets 3 yards.
2nd and 7 from the CLE 26.
WE ARE UNDERWAY FROM PHILLY!!!
Philly's rookie defenders
Philly’s defense didn’t need much beefing up in the offseason, but the Eagles draft picks Nolan Smith and Jalen Carter made their preseason debuts, but didn’t make much noise in limited time. Someone who did leave their mark was rookie Sydney Brown who had a game high 9 tackles in his NFL debut. The third round pick out of Illinois is showing plenty of promise and he will be someone to keep an eye on tonight.
Is a star being born in Cleveland?
The Browns starting QB situation is evident. They brought in a $200 million quarterback to use him. What remains up in the air is how the back up situation will play out. Before training camp, Dorian Thompson-Robinson was listed as the fourth string QB, but after two electric performances he may well have jumped Kellen Mond and Joshua Dobbs. There could be jobs on the line tonight as DTR looks to continue his team during the Browns preseason tour. Tonight he gets the start in Philly. Let’s see how the youngster performs under the Thursday night pressure.
Watson to sit tonight
We got a surprise look at Deshaun Watson in the Browns second preseason game last week. Watson played just one series, going 3/3 for 12 yards before watching the rest of the game from the sideline. Kevin Stefanski told reporters that neither Watson, nor the rest of the first team will play much, if at all, tonight. Watson missed more than half of last season serving suspension, but it seems the coaching staff don’t need to see too much more of their QB1 during the preseason. With the night off, Watson could focus his energies on responding to an Eagles beat reporter who gave his opinion about the Cleveland QBs performance in the joint practices.
Eagles back in their nest
The Eagles haven’t been back at Lincoln Financial Field since they stomped the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship. The road to the Super Bowl in the NFC goes through Philadelphia, and you have to think with this young squad it is only going to get tougher and tougher to take conference supremacy away from the Eagles.
Browns back ups take center stage
The Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets will play one extra preseason game after taking part in the Hall of Fame Game. That means that Kevin Stefanski will have to measure how much he wants to see of his first team, and how much he wants to prioritize those guys deeper down the depth chart. Tonight most, if not all the starters will be sidelined as the guys fighting for roster spots look to catch the coaches eye.
It's finally game time
The Browns and the Eagles have been locked in a week long joint practice in the lead up to this game, and after a few long days beating each other up they finally get to do it under the lights on Thursday night. As they usually do, things got fierce as the competition heated up in Pennsylvania and now it’s time to put up or shut up tonight. “Cleveland was probably happy with how they performed (Monday) and we had a little bit more grit to us (Tuesday),” said center Jason Kelce. “You have to come out here with that intensity every day, and it’s a good wake-up call to be honest with you.”
Browns last week
The Browns beat the Jets in the Hall of Fame Game thanks to some fantastic play from Dorian Thompson-Robinson late in the game. Last week we got to see Deshaun Watson for the first series, but again it was the former UCLA Bruin who stole the headlines again, going 9/10 for 102 yards and a TD. The Browns lost that game, but the Cleveland is buzzing about their first year gun slinger. Tonight we should get a bit more of the DTR experience from Philly.
Eagles last week
The Eagles loss to the the Ravens last week in their first game since getting beat by the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl six months ago. There was no Jalen Hurts but we did see a couple of first teamers including D’Andre Swift. Trey Sermon scored the opening TD on the ground. Later, Elias Ricks had a fourth quarter pick six but the Eagles failed the two point conversion to take the lead with seven minutes to go and then turned it over on downs with their last possession.
We are live from the City of Brotherly Love
Hello everyone and welcome to Philly where the Eagles make their preseason home debut as the Cleveland Browns visit town. The Browns have played two games already after beginning the preseason at the Hall of Fame Game in Canton Ohio. The Eagles are coming into their second game after a loss in Baltimore and we might just see some of their starters including QB Jalen Hurts.
Browns vs. Eagles
We are one week closer to the start of the NFL regular season, but before we focus on Week 1, we have to get through the second week of preseason games. Tonight the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cleveland Browns kickoff the weekend from Lincoln Financial Field and AS English will be with you all night providing live coverage, stats, highlight and analysis of Thursday nights prime time matchup.