The Cleveland Browns’ 22-13 preseason victory over the Philadelphia Eagles offered a valuable glimpse into the team’s depth and ongoing roster battles.
While a preseason win means little in the grand scheme, individual performances provided plenty of food for thought as the Browns prepare for their final preseason game. Here are five key takeaways from their week two victory.
Dillon Gabriel’s Rollercoaster Debut
Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, making his first start, showed flashes of the talent that made him a third-round pick. He was particularly sharp between the 20s, demonstrating poise and accuracy on short and intermediate throws.
Gabriel was efficient, completing 13 of 18 passes for 143 yards. However, his performance was ultimately defined by two significant turnovers, a fumble on a handoff and a pick-six on an all-around poorly executed play.
As opposed to the Shedeur Sanders the week before, Gabrield struggled to punctuate drives with touchdowns. While his ability to consistently move the offense into field goal range was a positive, he’ll need to clean up the mistakes to prove he can take the next step forward in his development.
Ahmani Marshall Is an NFL Player
In a crowded running back room, undrafted rookie Ahmani Marshall made a strong case for a spot on the 53-man roster. While he may not possess the explosive, game-breaking ability of an elite back, Marshall is a textbook runner. He consistently followed his blocks, made sharp upfield cuts, and displayed an adequate level of vision as a ball carrier.
His hard-nosed, disciplined style is the kind that earns the trust of a coaching staff. Don’t be surprised if he’s the recipient of a surprise nod to the final roster, especially given the Browns’ penchant for keeping a stable of reliable runners.
Diontae Johnson’s Roster Spot in Jeopardy
Veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson’s short tenure with the Browns appears to be hanging by a thread. After two pedestrian preseason performances marked by poor effort and a lack of attention to detail, he has opened the door for competition.
Rookie Gage Larvadain has shown more effort and playmaking ability through camp and into this preaseon. With his performance and the recent signing of the talented Isaiah Bond, Johnson is a cut candidate heading into the final week of the preseason. The Browns’ front office may have a difficult decision to make, but a youth movement at the position seems to be gaining momentum.
Isaiah McGuire is Primed For A Breakout
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire continued his impressive preseason, dominating the second-string Eagles offensive line. He earned several pressures and recorded a sack, building on a solid 2024 campaign after the trade of Zadarius Smith.
McGuire has taken a significant step forward in his development and appears ready to compete for the starting edge job opposite Myles Garrett. His consistent ability to disrupt the backfield will be a welcome sight for a Browns defense that prides itself on creating pressure.
Dustin Hopkins Has A Challenger
The Browns’ kicking situation, once thought to be stable, has become a point of competition. After a difficult 2024 season, veteran Dustin Hopkins is being pushed for his spot by former UFL standout Andre Szmyt (pronounced Schmidt).
Szmyt had an outstanding 2024 season for the St. Louis Battlehawks, making a career-best 14 out of 16 field goals (90.5%) and converting 28 of 29 extra-point attempts. He led the league in kicking points and even connected on a 61-yard field goal.
While Hopkins connected on a 46-yard field goal on Saturday, Szmyt made two, including a 49-yarder. Adding on a PAT to his day, the former battlehawk is making a case as a legitimate threat to unseat the incumbent Veteran heading into the final week of camp.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns’ takeaways from preseason victory over the Eagles
Reporting by Lane Dobbins, Browns Wire / Browns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
