Browns vs. Eagles Preseason Scrimmage: Key Takeaways and Standout Performances

Aug 17, 2025

Browns vs. Eagles Preseason Scrimmage: A Deep Dive

The joint preseason scrimmage between the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles provides a crucial opportunity for both teams to evaluate their rosters, test new strategies, and fine-tune their game plans before the regular season kicks off. These scrimmages offer a more controlled environment than a full-fledged preseason game, allowing coaches to focus on specific areas of concern and get a better look at players further down the depth chart. This analysis dissects the key takeaways and highlights the standout performances from this year's Browns-Eagles matchup, offering valuable insights for fans and analysts alike.

Overall Observations

The scrimmage sessions typically involve a variety of drills and situational practices, ranging from 7-on-7 drills to full-team simulations. This setup allows coaches to assess different facets of their teams, including:

Offensive Efficiency: How well the offense executes plays, protects the quarterback, and moves the ball down the field.
Defensive Cohesion: The effectiveness of the defense in stopping the run, pressuring the quarterback, and covering receivers.
Special Teams Performance: The consistency and precision of kicking, punting, and return units.
Roster Battles: Evaluating players competing for starting positions or roster spots.

Joint practices also provide invaluable opportunities to evaluate players against different competition. Facing a new set of opponents and schemes pushes players beyond their comfort zones and reveals their true potential.

Key Takeaways from the Browns-Eagles Scrimmage

Quarterback Play: Deshaun Watson's Command and Jalen Hurts' Refinement

The performance of the quarterbacks is always under intense scrutiny during the preseason. For the Browns, Deshaun Watson's performance is paramount. Entering his second full season with the team after his suspension, all eyes were on Watson to see how he has progressed in the Browns' offensive system.

Deshaun Watson's Performance:

Accuracy and Decision-Making: One of the most crucial aspects of Watson’s performance was his accuracy. Did he make good reads and deliver the ball to the right targets? Early reports suggest a marked improvement in his timing and accuracy compared to last season. He appeared more comfortable in the pocket, making quick decisions and delivering accurate throws, especially in the short to intermediate passing game.
Command of the Offense: Watson needed to demonstrate a strong command of the offense, making adjustments at the line of scrimmage and effectively leading the team. Reports indicated that he had good control over play calls and audibles, signaling a growing understanding of the offensive playbook.
Deep Ball Connection: Last season, the deep ball was an area of concern for Watson. The scrimmage offered a chance to assess whether he and his receivers had improved their connection on downfield throws. While not the primary focus, any successful deep completions would be a positive sign.

For the Eagles, Jalen Hurts continued his progression as a top-tier quarterback. The focus was on refining his skills and building chemistry with his receiving corps.

Jalen Hurts' Performance:

Pocket Presence and Accuracy: Hurts needed to exhibit improved pocket presence and accuracy, particularly on throws under pressure. The scrimmage provided a live environment to test these skills against a formidable Browns defense.
Decision-Making Under Pressure: One of the most critical aspects of quarterback play is making smart decisions when under duress. How did Hurts handle the Browns' pass rush, and did he avoid turnovers while still making aggressive plays?
Rapport with Receivers: Building a strong rapport with his receivers is vital for Hurts’ success. The scrimmage allowed him to fine-tune his timing and chemistry with both established targets and new additions to the receiving corps.

Offensive Line Play: Protecting the Quarterback

A strong offensive line is the bedrock of any successful offense. The scrimmage provided an opportunity to evaluate the performance of both the Browns' and Eagles' offensive lines.

Browns' Offensive Line:

Pass Protection: The Browns' offensive line, considered one of the best in the league when healthy, needed to provide consistent pass protection for Deshaun Watson. The scrimmage offered a chance to assess their ability to handle the Eagles' defensive front, known for its aggressive pass rush.
Run Blocking: Effective run blocking is crucial for establishing a balanced offense. The scrimmage allowed the Browns' offensive line to demonstrate their ability to create running lanes for Nick Chubb and other running backs.
Depth and Consistency: Injuries are inevitable in the NFL, so the performance of the Browns' backup offensive linemen was also closely monitored. Did they hold their own against the Eagles' defensive line, and did they maintain consistency throughout the scrimmage?

Eagles' Offensive Line:

Maintaining Dominance: The Eagles' offensive line is consistently ranked among the league's best. The scrimmage allowed them to demonstrate their continued dominance and ability to control the line of scrimmage.
New Line Combinations: With some changes in personnel, the scrimmage was an opportunity to test new line combinations and assess their effectiveness. How did the different lineups perform in both pass protection and run blocking?
Handling the Browns' Defensive Front: The Browns' defensive line is known for its talent and aggressiveness. The scrimmage provided a valuable test for the Eagles' offensive line to see how they held up against a top-tier defensive front.

Defensive Line Performance: Generating Pressure

An effective defensive line can disrupt the opposing offense and create opportunities for turnovers. The scrimmage allowed both the Browns' and Eagles' defensive lines to showcase their abilities.

Browns' Defensive Line:

Pass Rush: The Browns' defensive line, led by Myles Garrett, needed to generate consistent pressure on Jalen Hurts. The scrimmage offered a chance to assess their ability to disrupt the Eagles' passing game and force turnovers.
Run Stopping: In addition to pass rushing, the Browns' defensive line needed to be stout against the run. The scrimmage allowed them to demonstrate their ability to contain the Eagles' running backs and prevent them from gaining significant yardage.
Depth and Rotation: The Browns have invested heavily in their defensive line depth. The scrimmage provided an opportunity to evaluate the performance of the backups and assess their ability to contribute during the regular season.

Eagles' Defensive Line:

Consistent Pressure: The Eagles' defensive line is known for its relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The scrimmage allowed them to showcase their ability to disrupt Deshaun Watson and the Browns' passing game.
Run Defense: The Eagles' defensive line needed to maintain a strong run defense, preventing Nick Chubb and the Browns' running backs from establishing a ground game.
Evaluating New Additions: The Eagles added several new players to their defensive line during the offseason. The scrimmage provided an opportunity to assess their performance and integration into the defensive scheme.

Wide Receiver and Tight End Play: Creating Separation and Making Catches

The performance of the wide receivers and tight ends is crucial for a successful passing game. The scrimmage offered a chance to evaluate their ability to create separation, make contested catches, and contribute to the offense.

Browns' Wide Receivers and Tight Ends:

Amari Cooper's Role: As the Browns' top receiver, Amari Cooper needed to demonstrate his ability to create separation and make tough catches. The scrimmage allowed him to fine-tune his timing with Deshaun Watson and establish a strong connection.
Elijah Moore's Impact: The Browns acquired Elijah Moore in the offseason to add speed and explosiveness to their receiving corps. The scrimmage provided an opportunity to assess his impact and see how he fits into the Browns' offense.
Tight End Production: The Browns needed to get consistent production from their tight ends. The scrimmage allowed them to evaluate the performance of players like David Njoku and Harrison Bryant and assess their ability to contribute in both the passing and running game.

Eagles' Wide Receivers and Tight Ends:

A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith: The Eagles boast one of the league's best receiving duos in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. The scrimmage allowed them to fine-tune their chemistry with Jalen Hurts and demonstrate their ability to make big plays.
Dallas Goedert's Contribution: Dallas Goedert is a key part of the Eagles' passing game. The scrimmage provided an opportunity to assess his performance and see how he contributes to the offense.
Evaluating Depth: The Eagles needed to evaluate their wide receiver and tight end depth. The scrimmage allowed them to assess the performance of players further down the depth chart and identify potential contributors for the regular season.

Running Back Performance: Establishing the Run

A strong running game is essential for a balanced offense. The scrimmage allowed both the Browns' and Eagles' running backs to showcase their abilities.

Browns' Running Backs:

Nick Chubb's Dominance: Nick Chubb is one of the league's premier running backs. The scrimmage allowed him to demonstrate his power, speed, and ability to break tackles.
Kareem Hunt's Replacement: With Kareem Hunt no longer on the team, the scrimmage provided an opportunity to evaluate the other running backs competing for the backup role. Players like Jerome Ford needed to show their ability to contribute in both the running and passing game.
Pass Protection: Running backs need to be effective pass protectors. The scrimmage allowed the Browns to assess their running backs' ability to block blitzing linebackers and protect the quarterback.

Eagles' Running Backs:

Establishing the Run: The Eagles aim to have a potent running game. The scrimmage was critical for determining the pecking order of the running backs.
Rashaad Penny's Role: Rashaad Penny joined the team this offseason. The scrimmage was an opportunity for him to show he can stay healthy and be a valuable part of the Eagles' offense.
Kenneth Gainwell's Versatility: Kenneth Gainwell needed to showcase his versatility as a runner and receiver. The scrimmage allowed him to demonstrate his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the offense.

Secondary Play: Coverage and Interceptions

The performance of the secondary is crucial for preventing big plays and creating turnovers. The scrimmage allowed both the Browns' and Eagles' defensive backs to showcase their abilities.

Browns' Secondary:

Denzel Ward's Coverage: Denzel Ward is the Browns' top cornerback. The scrimmage allowed him to demonstrate his ability to cover the Eagles' top receivers and prevent them from making big plays.
Safeties' Impact: The Browns needed to get consistent play from their safeties. The scrimmage allowed them to evaluate the performance of players like Juan Thornhill and Grant Delpit and assess their ability to contribute in both coverage and run support.
Creating Turnovers: The Browns' secondary needed to create turnovers. The scrimmage provided an opportunity for them to intercept passes and force fumbles.

Eagles' Secondary:

Coverage Skills: The Eagles' secondary is known for its coverage skills. The scrimmage allowed them to showcase their ability to contain the Browns' passing game and prevent big plays.
Interceptions and Pass Breakups: The Eagles' secondary needed to create turnovers. The scrimmage provided an opportunity for them to intercept passes and break up passes.
Avonte Maddox's Impact: Avonte Maddox returned from injury in the off-season. He needed to show that he can stay healthy and contribute.

Standout Performances

While the scrimmage is a team effort, certain individual performances often stand out. These standout players can provide a glimpse into their potential impact for the upcoming season.

Browns Standout Performances:

Deshaun Watson: A strong performance from Watson would be a major positive sign for the Browns. His accuracy, command of the offense, and connection with his receivers would be closely watched.
Myles Garrett: Consistently generating pressure on the quarterback would solidify Garrett's status as one of the league's top defensive players.
Elijah Moore: An impressive showing from Moore would indicate that he could be a valuable addition to the Browns' offense.

Eagles Standout Performances:

Jalen Hurts: Continued progress and refinement of his skills would reinforce Hurts' position as the Eagles' franchise quarterback.
A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith: A strong connection with Hurts and consistent playmaking ability would highlight their importance to the Eagles' offense.
Rashaad Penny: If he can showcase his running ability, then that will make him a valuable contributor.

Impact on the Regular Season

The insights gained from the Browns-Eagles scrimmage can have a significant impact on both teams' preparations for the regular season. Coaches can use the scrimmage to identify areas of strength and weakness, make personnel decisions, and fine-tune their game plans. The scrimmage also provides players with valuable experience and a chance to build chemistry with their teammates.

Strategic Adjustments

Coaches will meticulously review the film from the scrimmage, identifying areas where their teams excelled and areas that need improvement. This analysis will inform strategic adjustments in training camp and during the regular season.

Offensive Adjustments: Based on the scrimmage performance, offensive coordinators might adjust their play-calling tendencies, focus on developing specific routes, or emphasize certain aspects of the running game.
Defensive Adjustments: Defensive coordinators might tweak their coverage schemes, refine their blitz packages, or focus on improving run defense based on the scrimmage results.
Special Teams Adjustments: Special teams coaches might make adjustments to their kicking, punting, or return units based on the scrimmage performance.

Roster Decisions

The scrimmage provides a crucial opportunity for players to showcase their abilities and compete for roster spots. Coaches will use the scrimmage performance to make difficult decisions about which players to keep on the active roster and which to cut or place on the practice squad.

Evaluating Backup Players: The scrimmage is particularly important for evaluating backup players who may not get as many opportunities during the regular season.
Identifying Potential Contributors: The scrimmage can help coaches identify players who have the potential to contribute during the regular season, even if they are not currently starters.
Assessing Positional Depth: The scrimmage allows coaches to assess their team's depth at each position and identify any areas where they may need to add additional players.

Building Team Chemistry

The scrimmage provides a valuable opportunity for players to build chemistry with their teammates. This chemistry is essential for success during the regular season, as it allows players to communicate effectively, anticipate each other's moves, and work together seamlessly.

Quarterback-Receiver Connection: The scrimmage allows quarterbacks and receivers to fine-tune their timing and develop a strong connection.
Offensive Line Cohesion: The scrimmage allows offensive linemen to work together and develop a cohesive unit.
Defensive Communication: The scrimmage allows defensive players to communicate effectively and coordinate their movements.

The Importance of Joint Practices

Joint practices, like the Browns-Eagles scrimmage, are becoming increasingly common in the NFL. These practices offer several advantages over traditional training camp sessions, including:

Increased Competition: Joint practices provide players with the opportunity to compete against different opponents, which can help them improve their skills and prepare for the regular season.
Exposure to New Schemes: Joint practices expose players to new offensive and defensive schemes, which can help them broaden their understanding of the game.
Improved Evaluation: Joint practices allow coaches to evaluate their players against a wider range of competition, which can help them make more informed decisions about roster construction and playing time.

Conclusion

The preseason scrimmage between the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles offered a valuable glimpse into both teams' preparations for the upcoming NFL season. By analyzing the key takeaways and standout performances, fans and analysts can gain a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each team and make informed predictions about their potential for success. From quarterback performance and offensive line play to defensive pressure and secondary coverage, the scrimmage provided insights that will shape the strategic adjustments, roster decisions, and team chemistry of both the Browns and the Eagles. As the regular season approaches, the lessons learned from this joint practice will undoubtedly play a significant role in determining the fortunes of these two teams.