Post Game Eagles and Browns

Post Game Eagles and Browns
Post game with the Cleveland Browns.
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Colt McCoy throws to Josh Cribbs

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The best thing about the preseason is that it is the preseason.

No matter how awful the Browns looked Friday against the Eagles, at least they have two weeks to fix it before they meet again in the season opener. Until then, the Browns will have to relive the disjointed effort in a 27-10 loss to the Eagles at Cleveland Stadium. The Browns are 2-1 in the exhibition season.

What did we learn:

• Trent Richardson’s return (possibly in the season opener) is not enough for the Browns to show some improvement over last season’s four wins.

• Rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden is still a work in progress, and the Browns have high hopes for Richardson, but the confusing play of the offensive line would only stunt their growth.

• The Browns have reason to believe Josh Gordon can become a prime target for Weeden. Gordon improves with each game. Issues with inconsistent route running and adjusting to playing football again after two years slowed Gordon’s progress, but that changed, at least in the first half. He was the only positive in a sputtering offense with 50 yards on three receptions.

• Running back Montario Hardesty played well in the first two preseason games but he couldn’t shake off a first-half fumble, like he did against the Packers. He dropped an easy swing pass and he didn’t run with the same authority as he did against the Packers.

First team offense: No matter how well Weeden plays or how many yards Richardson can rack up, the offensive line must play better. Three fumbles from the rush is inexcusable. Weeden and Colt McCoy faced pressure for much of the night.

First team defense: Eagles wideout Damaris Johnson will certainly hope cornerback Sheldon Brown will cover him (or try) when they meet Sept. 9. Johnson easily beat Brown deep. The Browns also helped rookie Nick Foles look All-Pro. He was 12-of-19 for 146 yards and two touchdowns in two quarters.

Injuries: DE Marcus Benard left in the third quarter with an elbow injury.

What’s next: The Browns host the Chicago Bears on Thursday in the final preseason game.