7 winners from Browns’ preseason win vs. Patriots: A trade audition may have happened, and a new quarterback question has come about
The Cleveland Browns ended the preseason with a win over the New England Patriots in a game where final impressions were made. Cleveland has a lot to go over before roster cutdowns, and these seven players helped themselves on Thursday night.
The Cleveland Browns dropped their first two preseason games but finished the right way with a 37-13 home win over the New England Patriots.
Neither team played their starters, putting the focus squarely on backup players and roster depth. This was the final opportunity for players to make an impression and show they deserve a spot on the 53-man roster Cleveland must finalize by Sunday evening.
Coming away from this game, six winners stood out for the Browns.
Dillon Gabriel made his case — and maybe a trade audition
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel had himself a terrific game for the Browns. He was 12-of-15 for 186 passing yards and three touchdowns. It was an efficient day overall for the second-year quarterback. He operated the offense at a high level, led multiple scoring drives, and Cleveland stayed on schedule and mistake-free for the most part with him on the field. Gabriel was precise and accurate, and he made a strong last shot at making the roster.
This could have been a trade audition for the Browns to potentially move Gabriel. If they can get a pick for a player they don’t necessarily see as a future part of the room, they should do it. He made a good impression for those who may want him.
Luke Floriea has earned a roster spot
Wide receiver Luke Floriea is another winner. At this point, he deserves a roster spot. He had two touchdowns in the first half, giving him three touchdowns over the last two games. Floria is small at 5-foot-10 but gets open rather easily, has quick acceleration, and his underrated strength allows him to play through contact. It’s been a great training camp for Floriea, and the Mentor, Ohio, native has done enough to stick.
Austin Barber flashed starting potential at right guard
Right guard Austin Barber only played a couple of drives, and that tells you everything you need to know about what the Browns think of their rookie offensive tackle from Florida who might be better as a guard. Barber was blocking downfield, getting pancakes, and showed off his ability to steamroll a running lane for the running back. Barber might end up a starting right guard for Cleveland at some point. Don’t rule that out.
Ben Patterson made a practice squad push
Wide receiver Ben Patterson had a big 52-yard catch and run for the Browns. He only had two targets but finished with 71 yards overall and has a chance to make the practice squad and be a guy Cleveland potentially calls up if needed. He’s a big 6-foot-5 target, and the Browns clearly kept him as a potential backup X option to bring up if Denzel Boston were to miss time. That kind of size and playmaking ability is worth stashing.
Taylen Green’s debut left you wanting more
Quarterback Taylen Green made his debut for the Browns, and his first couple of drives made you wish he had played more in the preseason. Green finished with eight rushes for 66 yards and was 5-of-7 passing for just 27 yards. He led a 98-yard scoring drive and showed off his ability to get out of the pocket and pick up chunk yards while on the move.
Green is a quarterback who probably is going to get on the field for the Browns at some point this season, if recent history means anything. With Deshaun Watson starting games for this team, Green’s an exciting athlete, and if he gets the arm together, he’s going to have a chance to be something in this league. I don’t see the Browns cutting Green.
My question: how long before we see Green in a game?
Rookie LB Justin Jefferson flashed for Browns
The rookie Day 3 pick from Alabama had his best preseason game of the month for the Browns. An interception that went for a nice return was the highlight, but Jefferson had a productive second half to finish with eight tackles. Jefferson will start as a depth linebacker and special team’s player for Cleveland, but the ceiling is much higher.
Davon Booth showed enough for a practice squad look
Running back Davon Booth is the Browns’ fourth running back at best and he’s not going to make the roster, but Cleveland could keep him around on the practice squad. He scored a touchdown on a 12-yard run and put a couple of highlight spin moves on tape, showing his ability to be slippery and make defenders miss. The 5-foot-8, 192-pound running back from Mississippi State ran well while playing the majority of the second half.
The Browns wrap up the preseason at 1-2, but the real decisions come now. Cleveland has until Sunday evening to trim the roster to 53, and the players listed above gave the front office something to think about heading into those final cuts.
