Browns Put Together Complete Performance to Beat Eagles, 22-13: Game Notes
Defense continues to roll and the offense did enough in preseason game two.
It was hot and sunny in Philadelphia, with a half-full stadium of impatient Eagles fans, as the Browns went into Lincoln Financial Field and put together a strong performance to win their second preseason game. Some notable names participated for the Browns, but it was largely a game full of backups and players destined to miss the roster, as both teams rested key contributors following two full joint practices in the days leading up.
On the day, the Browns held the Eagles to just 88 yards of offense—33 net passing yards, 55 rushing yards, and a stifling 2.0 yards per play. They also created a turnover that was returned for a touchdown, continuing their trend from last week. It was relentless pressure up front and sound fits against the run. The Eagles didn’t play their backup quarterback Tanner McKee, but nonetheless, the Browns’ second-team defense dominated whoever lined up in front of them.
Most of the interest will center on breaking down the performance of Dillon Gabriel and the pieces around him in the offense, but some intriguing position battles have also come into focus over the last two weeks, and today they were solidified as tight heading into Week 3. These are the storylines that make the preseason enjoyable, and this upcoming week will be a very important one. But for now, let’s discuss the Browns’ win in the City of Brotherly Love.
Here are the brief Preseason Week 2 Game Notes.
Again, another performance where it felt like everyone involved in the offense knew the approach well and had comfort within the scheme. I understand this is just preseason, but it just clear to me how much more comfortable all 11 players on the field and how much more in sync the play-caller is with the gameplan compared to last.
Speaking of which, Gabriel had several strong moments in the opening drive including two strong moments on 3rd downs where he stepped into pockets, found throwing windows, and completed passes for first downs against tight coverage. All things you wanted to see.
The turnovers cannot happen, though. Sure, the routes on the interception returned for a touchdown were egregious, but it’s the quarterback’s job to see that chaos and put that ball in the dirt to avoid the risk. It’s possible he couldn’t see the Eagles’ safety running with Diontae Johnson, but that also speaks to a problem. The fumble on the handoff is also tough. Just cannot happen. Clear miscommunication from someone that will always fall on the quarterback.
Strong performance from Gabriel overall, though. Sanders had more throws into the end zone, and had his own bright moments, but overall you leave both games feeling like the traits from the young quarterbacks have promise. It is something that both of these rookie quarterbacks look more comfortable in this offense than Deshaun Watson did during his Browns tenure.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 16: Dillon Gabriel #5 of the Cleveland Browns looks to pass the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFL Preseason 2025 game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 16, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Cleveland Browns defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 22-13. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The run game was strong overall with a nice mixture of gap and zone schemes. The offensive line was far more consistent in this one compared to last week. Pierre Strong Jr. handled most of the late work and had a productive day going for 89 yards on 13 carries. Ahmani Marshall had a short workload and had a touchdown and 25 yards on six carries. I remain more intrigued by what Marshall can be in this offense. His cut on the touchdown run off the zone blocking of the center and backside guard are things you want to see.
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