Browns Sweep Preseason in Win Against the Rams

The Browns wrapped up their preseason with yet another win, at home, against the Los Angeles Rams. The win came from a walk-off field goal from second-string kicker Andre Szmyt from 37 yards out. This game, despite the win, left plenty of headlines for Cleveland browns fans to go home with. Flacco got to start this game, and looked crisp as always playing with a majority of the offensive starters, going 9-10 for 71 yards and a touchdown pass to rookie Tight End, Harold Fannin Jr. A great sign for the young tight end from Bowling Green, might I add. It was after the starters and Flacco, however, that things got more interesting.

The next quarterback in was rookie Dillon Gabriel, who had a mixed bag of an outing last week. Gabriel impressed this week, however, leading a textbook two-minute drill for a touchdown and tossing a total of 129 yards and completing 63.2% of his passes. Many of the rumors we heard as to why Gabriel was ahead of Sanders in the Browns’ pecking order seemed to show on the field this game, as Gabriel looked crisp and in control of the offense. Gabriel’s day wrapped up at halftime as the second half of the game was supposed to be all about Shedeur Sanders.

Shedeur Sanders, the second rookie quarterback for the Browns, checked into the game as soon as the second half began. Sanders started his first drive off looking solid, completing a 6-yard pass to Tight End Sal Cannella. After this completion, it went downhill for Sanders. On 3rd down of his first drive, Sanders took his first of 5 total sacks that would eventually amount to a total loss of 41 yards. Sanders showed the biggest flaw of his game from his time at Colorado, drifting backwards when pressure came, instead of stepping up in the pocket. This was an unfortunate step back because in his first preseason game, he showed progression past this bad habit. Sanders finished the game with 14 yards, completing 3 out of 6 of his passes and getting benched in a two-minute drill situation. Eventual cut candidate Tyler Huntley entered the game and drove the team down to field goal range, resulting in a win and making the Browns undefeated in the preseason.

Shedeur Sanders is young and has shown flashes of high potential already in his short NFL career. While I know he will continue to be a national talking point, Sanders taking the time to sit back and learn, especially in his first year, should be and is the route the Browns are taking with him. You could tell the difference in play calling between Gabriel and Flacco vs. Sanders, and no, that is not because they are trying to sabotage him, it’s simply because he is just a step behind in learning the offense, and that’s okay. Comparing the rookies, Sanders only played two years of high division 1 football, whereas Gabriel played in high division 1 his entire 6-year career, having starts in each of those seasons. Gabriel (and Flacco) just have more experience right now, and I will say it again, that’s okay. Sanders’ time will come, and it is completely valid to believe in his potential, but give it time.

Aside from the quarterbacks, the Browns looked like a well-oiled machine yet again. The Browns’ defense looks as if it is going to live up to its 2023 season heights with additions like Carson Schwesinger and Mason Graham, who had an awesome mid-game interview together. The Browns also showed promise from the undrafted free agent side of things. Following the game, coach Kevin Stefanski announced that undrafted defensive tackle for Tulane, Adin Huntington, is going to make the roster, and boy did he have a day. Huntington took snaps at fullback, on special teams, and, of course, on defense. He finished the day with 5 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.

The Browns now move forward to roster cuts and a week one match-up vs. the Cincinnati Bengals. While expectations for the team are not high for this season, there are plenty of things to build on and be excited for following this undefeated preseason. Keep a lookout for players like Gabriel, Sanders, Huntington, and even Fanin Jr, as they carve their path in the NFL.