Everything You Need To Know From Browns Preseason Opener
Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
The first preseason game is behind the Cleveland Browns, and there is a lot to unpack from the game. The Browns lost the Packers 23-10, but many of the starters didn’t play for the Orange and Brown, so the loss shouldn’t inspire any real concern. Let’s look past the final score; here are the top takeaways from game one.
Some considered Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson a bubble player heading into the preseason, but the first game proved he needs to be on the team. DTR finished the game completing 14 of 18 passes for 134 yards. He did throw a pretty touchdown pass that was called back because of a procedural penalty. Remember when DTR was balling out at UCLA? This first preseason game gave flashbacks to those days.
This TD from Dorian Thompson-Robinson to Ahmarean Brown got called back for illegal man downfield (Zinter). But what a hell of a strike from DTR. I still love this kid. #Browns pic.twitter.com/TagZA0aYtv
— Roberto Shenanigans (@Rob_Shenanigans) August 10, 2024
Thompson-Robinson is battling with Tyler Huntley for that third quarterback spot, but that competition could already be over. Huntley didn’t look sharp, and he is clearly the 4th quarterback on this roster now.
I like Tyler Huntley, and am still somewhat amazed that no one else wanted him. But he didn't look good today. #Browns
— Jack Gorman (@JackGorman216) August 10, 2024
Continuing with the offense, undrafted rookie Aidan Robbins could be someone who fights for a roster spot, especially if the Browns believe he is someone who could get plucked if they try to hide him on the practice squad.
If the Browns’ goal was to sneak him onto the practice squad, they probably shouldn’t have played him against the Packers, because he already found the end zone. Robbins finished with only six yards, but one of those yards came on a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
Aidan Robbins‼️‼️ pic.twitter.com/0PWtMclexZ
— Hunter Miller (@MillerHHunter) August 10, 2024
He also found success with pass blocking, which will help his case on cutdown day. Robbins still has much to prove, but the first game was a good start.
The Browns’ wide receiver room is going to be a strength this season, and they are going to have some tough decisions to make. Jamari Thrash, a fifth-round pick, probably wasn’t on the roster bubble, but if there was any question, that was cleared up in the first game. Trash was targeted five times, and he caught three of the passes for 43 yards and a score.
Jamari Thrash holding strong after a strike from DTR#GBvsCLE on @WEWS & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/hRbsxfSmZ1
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 10, 2024
He showed his toughness on the pass over the middle from DTR, securing the pass before taking the hit from the defender. Thrash has a good rapport with the quarterbacks, and there already is a level of trust.
One of the offense’s real big negatives was an injury. Backup center Luke Wypler suffered a broken ankle that required surgery.
#Browns backup center Luke Wypler will undergo surgery to repair his broken ankle from the #Packers game, Kevin Stefanski said. He did not say he'll be out for the season.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 11, 2024
Switching to the defense, seventh-round pick Myles Harden out of South Dakota State looks like the real deal for the secondary. In one of his first shots at action, Harden stuffed a wide receiver reverse and showed his knack for being in the right place at the right time.
Former @SDCoyotesFB CB Myles Harden in there early for the Browns. pic.twitter.com/Q7e7UG2nmx
— Jay Elsen – Midco Sports (@ElsenMidco) August 10, 2024
Harden finished the game with five tackles, and although there might be a little more work to do, he looks like he has a great shot at making the 53-man roster.
Speaking of players who should have some buzz after the first game, Devin Bush might not be a bust after all. Bush didn’t work out with the Pittsburgh Steelers or Seattle Seahawks, but maybe the Browns can fix him. Bush had a huge stop on AJ Dillion in a short-yardage situation that got the Browns off the field.
devin bush looks …. good??????
— Quincy Carrier (@Kwen_C) August 10, 2024
If Bush can play like the player who came out of Michigan, an already elite defense will be even better.
Defensive lineman Isaiah Thomas was consistently a problem in the backfield for the Browns. Thomas had the one tackle for the loss, but most of his success won’t appear on the stat sheet.
Not all was good with the defense, though. Ronnie Hickman was good last season, but if the first game were any indication, 2024 isn’t going to be the same. Hickman was lined up in the slot and got burned for a 65-yard touchdown pass.
Tired: It's preseason and the Browns' 1s aren't playing
Wired: Asking Ronnie Hickman to defend a slot fade is mean https://t.co/qMJ9KvPaze
— Joey Gulino (@JGulinoYahoo) August 10, 2024
He’s a good depth piece for the Browns, but the team can’t count on him as much as they counted on him in 2023. If he does need to play meaningful defensive reps, he needs to avoid guarding the slot.
There were a lot of positives to take away from the first game, but still plenty that needs to get cleaned up before Week 1. The Browns will take the field against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday for joint practices.
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