Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
PHILADELPHIA
The joint practices against the Philadelphia Eagles were always meant to be a pivotal point in the Browns’ preseason because they would show everybody how close the team was to contending with an NFL elite organization.
What we learned is the Browns have a ways to go, probably further than they anticipated. It’s not as if they can’t get there from here, but it was obvious in the joint practices, particularly the second one, that the Browns have a ton of work to do on offense, but also some on defense.
Thursday night’s Preseason Game 3 against the Eagles should not be viewed in this context, however. This night of football is about evaluating deep roster spots at various position groups. No starters are expected to play and some of the priority backups will not play.
Coach Kevin Stefanski is reversing the order of the quarterbacks from the HOF Game in Canton, so rookie fan-favorite Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start at and Kellen Mond will play the second half. The Eagles will play QB3-4 Ian Book and Tanner McKee. Stefanski and Eagles coach Nick Sirianni have compared notes and scripted their mutual goals in this contest. So it should be a competitive contest among players fighting for roster spots, but it is not going to be a measuring stick of where the Browns stand v. the Eagles.
That was determined by the joint practices among first- and second-teamers.
The Browns’ defensive line earned respect from the Eagles, some of whom are still around from the 2017 Eagles team that won the Super Bowl with Jim Schwartz overseeing the Philadelphia defense.
They see the same attack mentality in the Browns that Schwartz instilled in the Eagles. But that’s just one facet of the defense Schwartz has improved.
The Eagles have a dominant and deep defensive front, but they also have linebackers and safeties and cornerbacks that made plays for two days in the joint practices. The Browns’ pass rush certainly disrupted Jalen Hurts in these practices, but the Eagles quarterback and his top-notch receivers still were able to make plays. Save for a few plays, the Browns’ back seven defenders did not particularly distinguish themselves.
As for the offense, the Browns struggled in red zone periods to score touchdowns. These competitive periods are a direct reflection of the quarterback’s ability to beat defenders in the confines of the compressed field from the 20-yard line and in. The fact is Hurts performed better against the Browns’ defense than Deshaun Watson performed against the Eagles’ defense.
It doesn’t mean the Browns are doomed. It means the Browns have to get better on offense. Watson has to get better, and Stefanski has to incorporate others beyond Elijah Moore, who missed the team periods with a rib injury, into the offense. Moore has been the most exciting offensive player in training camp. When he was out, the Browns looked lost.
Those issues will be dealt with in practices and in the final preseason game in Kansas City on August 26. For now, Thursday night’s game against the Eagles will be an exercise in determining final roster spots at each position group.
Kicker Cade York can't afford another miss in a preseason game. He's 0 for 2 so far this summer. (Cleveland Browns)
Here is a look at some of the remaining issues to be determined.
QuarterbackThrough two games, DTR has been the most exciting rookie on hand. He most likely has locked up the QB3 role no matter what happens against the Eagles. Mond has not been awful, and has a chance to get more game action on video to attract a future team after roster cuts.
Running back
RB3 is up for grabs between Demetric Felton, John Kelly and Hassan Hall. Felton’s versatility in other roles gives him a huge advantage. But with RB2 Jerome Ford still out with a hamstring injury, the opportunity is there for newly-signed veteran Jordan Wilkins to make a late run for a spot.
Wide receiver
Street free agent and USFL castoff Austin Watkins has been really, really good, but he has to shine more to unseat draft picks David Bell and Anthony Schwartz on the final 53. Another factor is Jakeem Grant. If the return specialist is ready to be incorporated as a speed threat on offense, Grant could determine a key roster spot. So we’re talking WR5 and WR6 between Bell, Schwartz, Watkins, Grant and Mike Harley. Offensive line
In the joint workouts, rookie Dawand Jones got ample time at right tackle with the No. 1s after Jack Conklin’s concussion. It will be interesting to see if Jones plays against the Eagles. If he doesn’t, it could mean a promotion ahead of James Hudson as the backup right tackle. Tyrone Wheatley Jr. is still in the hunt for a possible fifth tackle spot.Defensive line
The Browns need to get recent pickup Shelby Harris up to speed as a potential starter at defensive tackle next to Dalvin Tomlinson. He has only practiced two days in seven months. The Browns singed him just last week.
Linebacker
Will Anthony Walker and Sione Takitaki get reps in the game for the first time since 2022 surgeries? Both met their goal of competing against the Eagles in 11 on 11 periods. A few introductory snaps in the game should further their efforts to be viable for the season opener.
SafetyThe Browns probably would like to find a way to keep five safeties. The candidates beyond Grant Delpit, Juan Thornhill and Rodney McLeod are D’Anthony Bell , OSU free agent Ronnie Hickman and recent veteran pickup Nate Meadows. That's three candidates for one, or two jobs.
Special teams
Yes, this is another nail-biting night for kicker Cade York. He makes everything in practice, literally, but has missed from 49 and 46 yards in two preseason games. York is unchallenged for the second year in a row. The Browns want him to move into the regular season with a positive frame of mind. The preferred scenario is York gets a few field goals through the uprights to relieve any concerns raised by his two misses.
