It was a lights-out performance for the Cleveland Browns in their 21-16 win over the New York Jets in the Hall of Fame Game last night.
Get it? Cause the lights went out in the third quarter?
Okay, now that that’s out of the way…
5 Browns Takeaways from the Hall of Fame Game
The Remade Defense Looks Promising
Few, if any, starters saw the field for either team in the Hall of Fame Game. 2021 second-overall draft choice Zach Wilson made the start for the Jets. Aside from one long pass, the Browns kept him and his subsequent replacements from engineering long-scoring drives. The one Jets touchdown came from a turnover, and two field goals came on drives under 20 yards. The defense played with increasing aggression and swagger as the game progressed, shutting out the Jets in the second half.
Rookie Quarterback Impressive in NFL Debut
Though Kellen Mond got the start at quarterback, it was fifth-round choice Dorian Thompson-Robinson who looked most impressive in the Hall of Fame Game. Thompson-Robinson has had the inside track to win the third-string spot throughout the offseason, as his game is closer to Watson’s than fellow backup Kellen Mond. The Browns hope that Thompson-Robinson can be the long-term answer at second-string. The rookie lit up the field with a 124.1 passer rating in his first NFL appearance, completing 8 of his 11 passes for 82 yards and a score. He also added six rushes for 36 yards.
.@Browns QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson out here throwing blocks 😤 @DoriansTweets
📺: @ProFootballHOF Game on NBC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/bDdH0uvRfp pic.twitter.com/jJvF2QPDNz— NFL (@NFL) August 4, 2023
OT Dawand Jones is… Huge
It’s far too early to say, but the 2023 Browns draft class might be full of sleepers. Thompson-Robinson was taken in the fifth round. One round earlier, the Browns snagged a massive prospect in offensive tackle Dawand Jones from Ohio State. It’s one thing to read that a man is 6′-8″ and weighs 374 pounds, and it’s another thing actually to see it on the field. Jones isn’t just large, but he can also move. He was considered for a basketball scholarship at Kent State before choosing football.
Jones looked like a man among men in his limited action on Thursday, shutting down any pass rusher who dared to try and get past him in the Hall of Fame Game. It’ll be exciting to see him take on starters and, down the line, if he can become a starter himself. If he can, that will give the already great Browns offensive line many great options.
The Special Teams Didn’t Look So Special
The Browns hired special teams boss Bubba Ventrone to bring those units up to snuff. They have a long way to go if the Hall of Fame Game is any indication. On the game’s opening kickoff, the Browns returner dropped the ball. Later in that drive, kicker Cade York shanked his first field goal attempt of the season. The Browns gave up a field goal at the end of the first half after the Jets ran the ball back 45 yards. The Jets also sacked up a 22.5-yard punt return average to the Browns.
WR Anthony Schwartz Blew a Big Chance
When the Browns snagged wide receiver Anthony Schwartz in the third round of the 2021 draft, they thought they had solved their downfield passing needs. Two years later, he’s only grabbed 14 passes and is still looking for his second score. So Cleveland signed speedster Marquise Goodwin in free agency.
Goodwin has been out of action for most of camp with blood clots, giving Schwartz a chance to shine. But Schwartz dropped the ball… literally. His lone catch in the game was for seven yards, and he promptly fumbled. That set up the Jets’ second field goal. With 10 Browns players catching passes in the Hall of Fame Game and all the starters riding the pine, this does not bode well for Schwartz.
The Jets’ defense forces an Anthony Schwartz fumble 😬 pic.twitter.com/kQUA3AOtth
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) August 4, 2023
The Cleveland Browns are back in action next Friday, August 11, when they host the Washington Commanders in Cleveland.
Main Photo: Ken Blaze – USA Today Sports
