Underdogs stand out as Eagles overcome the Browns in preseason clash

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Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Gardner Minshew (10) congratulates running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) after Gainwell ran in a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the first half of an NFL preseason football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/David Richard)

The Eagles went into today having not won a preseason game since the 2019 season. The streak ended Sunday afternoon against the Cleveland Browns in FirstEnergy Stadium.

Reid Sinnett connected with US Track Star, Devon Allen, and the Philadelphia Eagles outlasted the Cleveland Browns 21-20 in week two of the NFL preseason.

An early offensive explosion

The Eagles offense drove up and down the field throughout the contest with most of the starting units sitting after an excellent joint practice period. Gardner Minshew was 14/17 for 142 yards passing while Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell totaled over 90 yards combined and scored two touchdowns. The offense was a well-oiled machine early by scoring touchdowns on their first two possessions.

While the Eagles’ second-team offense excelled early and often, the second-team defense struggled to get off the field. Cleveland scored points on each of their first four possessions with Josh Dobbs totaling over 190 yards of total offense and scoring on a touchdown run.

Philadelphia’s defense struggled giving up over 400 yards of total offense and 174 yards on the ground. While Cleveland was able to move the ball at will, Philadelphia’s defense held the Brown’s offense to 4-12 on third down, one of those plays, a Josh Jobe deflection to give the Eagles a 14-13 lead at the half.

After a John Kelly Jr touchdown run to give the Browns their first lead, Philadelphia struggled to get anything going offensively.

But Cade York missed a 55-yard field goal that hit the right upright, and Reid Sinnett connected with Devon Allen for a 55-yard touchdown to give the Eagles the lead for good.

Philadelphia moves to 1-1 on the preseason and has joint practices scheduled with the Miami Dolphins next week before their third, and final preseason game in South Florida.

Eagles Game Notes

  • Deon Cain had an excellent game on the back of a very strong camp. The former sixth-round selection caught five passes for 66 yards and made some excellent plays on the ball. Allen’s deep touchdown and Cain’s strong performance have certainly made the final roster spots on the receiver a huge question mark.
  • It wasn’t a very good game from the Eagle’s second group of linebackers. Davion Taylor and Nakobe Dean struggled to get an aggressive approach throughout the contest. Taylor specifically looked out of position on numerous occasions. The Eagles won’t need either linebacker to start right away, but it’s very clear that Dean needs more time.
  • Gardner Minshew has struggled throughout camp, but he came through with a really nice game today. The former Jaguar’s quarterback is set as the #2 starter in Philly, but it’s good to see more from the signal-caller.
  • Josh Jobe has all but solidified a role on the 53-man roster. The undrafted free agent from Alabama led the team in tackles and had a pass defense that ultimately helped win the game. Jobe has been very good all camp.
  • Speaking of players who were dominant, Cam Jurgens is already looking like a steal as a second-round pick. The former Cornhusker had a pancake block on the very first play and continues to be a huge bright spot for the team. In fairness, Andre Dillard was also very good both in run, and pass blocking.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Ron Schwane