A familiar face is participating in the Philadelphia Eagles' preseason program. 

The Athletic's Zac Jackson reported that the Cleveland Browns will travel to Philadelphia for joint practices before the two teams play each other in the Week 2 preseason game.

At the start of the 2022 NFL season, the Eagles made the trip to Berea, OH, for two joint sessions with the Browns before the two teams faced off in a Week 2 preseason game. This time around the Browns are coming to town to partake in the preseason ritual. 

The joint practices make sense because of the overlap present between the two organizations. The Browns general manager Andrew Berry was once a member of the Eagles front office and part of the Howie Roseman executive tree.

Familiarity. 

Teams also like to practice with teams that have similar coaching and practice philosophies. Given the overlap between the two franchises, that theory checks out. 

An added benefit of joint practices is that it gives both teams a look at different game plans. With reduced practice time and less hitting, teams are often strapped for opportunities to simulate live-game reps. Joint practices allow for that in order to prep for the season ahead. 

The Browns are coming off a 7-10 season. Cleveland finished in last place in the AFC North. And the Browns played most of the year without quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was suspended for 11 games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy after he was accused of sexual misconduct.

When these two teams say hello in the preseason, it will be like meeting an old friend. Chalked full of familiarity. 

Feature image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.