After a crushing loss to the Houston Texans in the playoffs, Browns fans were eagerly anticipating the new season. The excitement was flowing through downtown, but emotions quickly swung as Jordan Love connected with Emanuel Wilson for a 61-yard touchdown pass to open the game. While the big play was a gut-punch, it was only the beginning of a tumultuous day for the Browns.
In a rough start, safety Ronnie Hickman suffered a hamstring injury on that same play, signaling the beginning of a day filled with injuries. Backup center Luke Wypler will need surgery to address a broken ankle from the Packers game, while linebacker Nathaniel Watson left with a quad injury and safety Vincent Gray exited with a groin issue. David Bell also faced some injury concerns, adding to the list of setbacks.
Despite these challenges, there were bright spots to be seen. Cade York opened the game with a monstrous 55-yard field goal that would have been good from 60. Although Deshaun Watson was dressed but did not play, all three quarterbacks saw action, with Dorian Thompson-Robinson (DTR) standing out the most. DTR threw for 134 yards and a beautiful sideline pass to Ahmarean Brown, which set up rookie Aidan Robbins for a 1-yard touchdown run.
David Bell continued to impress, picking up where he left off last season as a reliable safety net for the quarterbacks, particularly on crucial third and fourth downs. Jamari Thrash also made some noteworthy plays, but with there being a wide receiver competition, no one created much separation from the pack.
Defensively, the standout player was Devin Bush, who was everywhere on the field, despite the Packers' offense seeming to have their way for much of the game. Bush's energy and tenacity were among the few highlights in an otherwise challenging defensive performance.
One intriguing development was Mike Vrabel’s presence on the sideline. Although he had previously indicated he wouldn’t play a major role on game days, it was clear he was actively involved in coaching. On the other hand, Kevin Stefanski was seen in the 2nd half without his play sheet which means he probably wasnt calling plays. It was undecided on if Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, would be doing his job from the box or the sidelines, but was on the sideline and appeared to be calling plays during the second half. This is something to keep an eye on as the preseason progresses.
It’s important to remember that preseason games are just that—preseason. While the Browns’ performance against the Packers wasn't ideal and the injuries could be some
concerns, it’s not time to hit the panic button. The team will have a crucial week of practice ahead as they prepare for joint sessions with the Minnesota Vikings. This will provide more opportunities for backups to showcase their skills and seek redemption for a lackluster performance.
As always, keep the perspective that preseason games are about evaluation and preparation, not final judgments. The true test will come when the regular season kicks off, but for now, let’s hope for a healthier roster and continued development as the Browns head into their next set of practices.
Stay tuned and keep the faith, Browns fans—there’s plenty of football still to come!
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