As K Andre Szmyt knocked through the 37-yard field goal, he was mobbed by his teammates as the Browns celebrated a perfect 3-0 preseason with a 19-17 victory over the Rams.
The game-winning field goal came as a result of QB Tyler Huntley orchestrating a drive with just more than 2 minutes left from the Browns' 35-yard line. Szmyt's game-winning field goal equaled K Dustin Hopkins' game total as the two compete for the starting job. Meanwhile, starting QB Joe Flacco made his preseason debut against the Rams, finding his groove in a game situation before the start of the regular season.
"I like how that group finished. I like how they fought. To come through at the end there with the field goal, I think was great for our football team," coach Kevin Stefanski said. "Those guys, I'm really proud of how they've performed throughout the offseason program through training camp. I feel like that field goal put a cap on really all that hard work, so I'm really pleased with that."
Here are three takeaways following the Browns' 19-17 win in the preseason finale:
Two-minute drill success
Before Huntley led the Browns down the field in a 2-minute drill situation in the fourth quarter, QB Dillon Gabriel did so before halftime. With 1:55 left in the second quarter, Gabriel's second drive of the game was chock-full of passes with the Browns needing to get 86 yards down the field to score.
During the 11-play, 86-yard touchdown drive, Gabriel showcased his composure and experience playing quarterback following a six-year college career, not wavering in the situation.
"You talk about the quarterback position, it's really about all 10 (players), that player and how he's playing," Stefanski said. "So, I thought (Gabriel) made some good decisions, made some good throws."
Gabriel went 9-for-11 on the drive, moving the Browns down the field with his arm, taking 1:38 to go 86 yards and score a touchdown.
The Oregon product chained together completions with ease in no-huddle situations, keeping the offense on its feet and moving. With three consecutive completions, he took the Browns from their own 37-yard line to the Rams 30-yard line in 43 seconds.
He also managed downs efficiently with his throws, knowing the down and distance. He managed to keep the Browns out of any third-down situations until the second-to-last play on the drive.
Facing third-and-7, he stood pat in the pocket and found WR Jamari Thrash sandwiched in between two defenders with a completion that not only picked up the first down but stopped the clock. A play later, he found WR Gage Larvadain for a 3-yard touchdown pass to score with 17 seconds remaining.
"(I was impressed by) just us getting an 11-man operation there. Guys getting open, getting the ball out on time," Stefanski said." I think he did a nice job in a couple of different concepts, worked the middle of the field but I was pleased with how that group finished the half."
Huntley's 2-minute drill didn't see him pass as much as Gabriel, but he still managed to accomplish the goal of getting points and set up the Browns to win.
Across six plays and 2:01, Huntley moved the offense 46 yards down the field before leaving two seconds on the clock for Szmyt to kick the field goal.
Huntley's first play was a 7-yard completion to WR Chase Cota that wound up being his only pass attempt of the game thanks to Rams penalties, which helped the Browns get to field goal range.
After a false start penalty put the Browns at their own 42, back-to-back neutral zone infractions and offside penalties put the Browns on the Rams' side of the field on the 48-yard line. Right after, an unnecessary roughness penalty on the Rams put the Browns at Los Angeles' 33-yard line – three plays, three defensive penalties.
Two runs — one a nine-yard scamper from Huntley — gave the Browns the first down, allowing them to run the clock down and get the situation they wanted.
During practice, the 2-minute drill has been a feature and is a drill that all quarterbacks ran with different sets of players. Against the Rams, the drill paid off as the Browns used talent under a time constraint to score 10 points.
"I think in the course of a 60-minute game, there are just so many situations that come up and it's our job as coaches to prepare our guys for those moments and make sure that there's a shared situational awareness among our football team," Stefanski said. "I thought the entire preseason we got an opportunity at a bunch of different situations."
Check out photos of Browns players warming up before their 2025 Preseason Week 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
The stadium before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Ralph Holley (63) and Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback LaMareon James (27) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
The stadium before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (88) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
The stadium before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end David Njoku (85) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
The stadium before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
The stadium before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
The stadium before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
The stadium before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
The locker room before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson (16) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end K.J. Henry (52) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Tyler Huntley (7) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (88) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Kilian Zierer (54) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver DeAndre Carter (2) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback LaMareon James (27) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Trayveon Williams (36) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Fan before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end David Njoku (85) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson (16) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Christian Holmes (22) and Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Tony Brown II (11) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Sal Cannella (87) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Tyler Huntley (7) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end K.J. Henry (52) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (81) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Fans before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Tyler Huntley (7) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Blake Whiteheart (86), Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12), and Tight end Brenden Bates (82) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson (16) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Sal Cannella (87) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Christopher Edmonds (41) and Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end David Njoku (85) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Center Luke Wypler (56) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Cade McDonald (31) and Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Center Luke Wypler (56) and Center Ethan Pocic (55) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson (16) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Damontae Kazee (23) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end K.J. Henry (52) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Tony Brown II (11) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end David Njoku (85) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end David Njoku (85) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Tyler Huntley (7) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Trayveon Williams (36) and Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defense before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end David Njoku (85) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end David Njoku (85) and Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Fans and Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Ahmani Marshall (39) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Tyler Huntley (7) before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defense before a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Kick-off
Szmyt and Hopkins have been competing for the starting kicking job throughout training camp and the preseason before rosters need to be reduced to 53 on Tuesday.
Against the Rams, both kickers again had their final chance to showcase their talents in a game situation. Hopkins knocked through a 28-yard field goal and missed an extra point on Gabriel's second-quarter touchdown, his second missed extra point of the preseason. Szmyt only had one opportunity to kick against Los Angeles, the 37-yard field goal to win the game.
During the preseason, both kickers have been perfect on their field goal attempts, making all three each has kicked. Hopkins has been called on to make six extra points, making four, while Szmyt has only attempted one, which he made.
Following the game, Stefanski said Cleveland has all types of decisions to make in terms of the kickers.
Browse action photos from the Browns' 2025 Preseason Week 3 game against the Los Angeles Rams, featuring top plays and moments.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (88) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Center Luke Wypler (56) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (88) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offense during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (88) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (88) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Zak Zinter (70) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Christopher Edmonds (41) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (88) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offense during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (88) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) and Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) and Safety Damontae Kazee (23) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Rayshawn Jenkins (28) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (90) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jerome Baker (17) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (90) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Dom Jones (37) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) and Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive lineman Adin Huntington (66) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) and Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) and Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) and Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (81) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offense during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Zak Zinter (70) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Teven Jenkins (74) and Center Bucky Williams (62) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Darius Rush (39) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) and Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (42) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Julian Okwara (53) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Tony Brown II (11) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive lineman Adin Huntington (66) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end K.J. Henry (52) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback LaMareon James (27) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defense during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback LaMareon James (27) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback LaMareon James (27) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (81) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Ralph Holley (63) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (90) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive lineman Adin Huntington (66) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Marvin Moody (44) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end K.J. Henry (52) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Titus Leo (98) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Long snapper Rex Sunahara (50) and Cornerback LaMareon James (27) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive lineman Adin Huntington (66) and Defensive end K.J. Henry (52) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Sebastian Gutierrez (58) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (47) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Tyler Huntley (7) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (47) and Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Kaden Davis (89) and Offensive guard Javion Cohen (67) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (47) and Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Titus Leo (98) during a preseason NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on August 23, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Flacco keeping it simple
In his first game of the preseason and first start before he started the regular season for the Browns, Flacco found his zone.
He missed his first pass to WRJerry Jeudy and then completed every pass following that -- nine passes, nine consecutive completions. He played his third drive of the game into the second quarter before finishing the afternoon with 71 yards through the air and a passing touchdown.
"Yeah, it's important anytime you take the field, man. You want to go out there and perform well. We didn't do anything crazy today, but like I felt good," Flacco said. "We completed the ball, did what we had to do at times, didn't try to do anything crazy, got the ball in a few guys' hands just to get them feeling the football too."
After going three-and-out on his first drive of the game, Flacco kept it simple.
His first completion on the second drive was a checkdown to RBJerome Ford, his second was a short pass to Larvadain and his third was a checkdown to RBDylan Sampson – simple. After that, he let his arm work, throwing a bullet 15 yards to TEHarold Fannin Jr. for a touchdown.
He had the same formula on his third drive.
A 1-yard checkdown to Ford, then a checkdown to RBPierre Strong Jr. on third down that turned into 18 yards. Then again, he let his arm loose, throwing a 15-yard completion to TEDavid Njoku. His final pass was a quick 1-yard pass to Fannin Jr, keeping it simple to finish his day passing.
"I feel like I've been pretty good, been able to get my feet underneath me and start to get in a little bit of a groove," Flacco said. "The next two weeks are just about carrying that forward, not doing anything to take a step backwards. Just continuing to take that next step for all of us."
