Eagles-Browns joint practice takeaways: Myles Garrett gives O-line fits; Philly run game as strong as ever
Context:
In a joint practice session between the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns, the Eagles' run game showed remarkable strength, while their passing game struggled. Myles Garrett, the Browns' elite pass rusher, dominated against top tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, affecting Jalen Hurts' performance. Joe Flacco stood out among the Browns' quarterbacks, showcasing his experience and precision, and currently leads the team's QB competition. The Eagles' wide receiver Johnny Wilson impressed with significant plays, while cornerback Kelee Ringo faced challenges, including penalties and allowed touchdowns. Although no clear winner emerged from the practice, both teams gained valuable insights and areas for improvement.
Dive Deeper:
Myles Garrett, an exceptional pass rusher for the Browns, consistently pressured the Eagles' offensive line, particularly challenging tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. His performance led to a tough day for Eagles' quarterback Jalen Hurts, who struggled to avoid Garrett's 'sacks' during non-live tackling drills.
Joe Flacco, at 40 years old, emerged as the frontrunner in the Browns' quarterback competition, demonstrating superior efficiency and decision-making over Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and the injured Shedeur Sanders. Flacco's ability to read defenses effectively allowed him to make precise plays, such as a perfectly placed pass to Jerry Jeudy.
The Eagles' run offense thrived, with significant contributions from players like Will Shipley and Saquon Barkley, thanks to effective blocking by linemen such as Brett Toth, Jordan Mailata, and Lane Johnson. This practice session highlighted the Eagles' potential to have one of the best run offenses in the NFL.
Wide receiver Johnny Wilson was a standout performer for the Eagles, making key plays that prevented the passing offense from being lackluster. He demonstrated his ability to execute go-ball plays successfully, which could secure him a spot on the roster.
Cornerback Kelee Ringo of the Eagles had a challenging day, struggling against the Browns' receivers, resulting in penalties and a touchdown allowed. In contrast, Adoree' Jackson showed stability in the cornerback battle, effectively defending against passes from Joe Flacco.
The Browns' defense, despite being outmatched talent-wise by the Eagles, put up a strong fight, keeping the Eagles' offense in check throughout the practice. This defensive effort demonstrated the Browns' ability to elevate their play against top-tier competition.
The practice provided both teams with critical insights into their strengths and weaknesses, with the Eagles needing to address their passing game and cornerback issues, while the Browns assess their quarterback options and defensive resilience.