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Keys to the Game

Browns need to win the turnover battle against the Eagles | Keys to the Game 

The Browns head into Philadelphia to face a talented Eagles’ team for their second preseason game

browns eagles keys to the game

The Browns have been in Philadelphia since Tuesday, participating in two joint practices against the Eagles on Wednesday and Thursday. Cleveland is aiming to win in the City of Brotherly Love on Saturday for the second game of the preseason.

Philadelphia is familiar territory for the Browns this time of year, playing the Eagles for the second time in three seasons in the preseason at Lincoln Financial Field. In 2023, the last time the two teams played, it ended in an 18-18 tie.

As the Browns get ready to face the Eagles, here are three keys to the game.

Win the turnover battle

In their Super Bowl-winning 2024 season, the Eagles had one of the top defenses in the NFL, leading the league in least yards allowed.

One of the reasons their defense was successful was their turnover differential and how they forced turnovers. The Eagles were fourth in the NFL in fumble recoveries with 13, helping them to have the sixth-best turnover differential in the league at +13.

Even in the Super Bowl, their defense was forcing turnovers, intercepting QB Patrick Mahomes twice and recovering a fumble.

The Eagles defense continued their emphasis on creating turnovers in their first preseason game, getting a crucial interception in their 34-27 win over the Bengals. The interception set up an Eagles' touchdown that put them up 17 points. In what was a seven-point victory for Philadelphia, that score was the difference between winning or losing.

Forcing turnovers and capitalizing on those opportunities also helped the Browns beat the Panthers 30-10 in Cleveland's first preseason game.

The Browns were able to score their first points of the game off a muffed punt from the Panthers. Two plays after RB Trevor Etienne fumbled the punt, QB Shedeur Sanders threw his first NFL touchdown to WR Kaden Davis. S Nik Needham also intercepted a pass in the third quarter that put the Browns at the Panthers 43-yard line. The Browns again capitalized with an end-around touchdown from WR Gage Larvadain to go up 21-7.

The Browns were +2 in the turnover column, not turning the ball over to the Panthers in Week 1 of the preseason. Continuing to make the offense commit mistakes is not only a part of the Browns defensive philosophy but is good insurance, especially against a troublesome Eagles defense.

"I know we play fast. I know we play the best when we play fast, and I think that's Schwartz's mentality," S Grant Delpit said after Thursday's joint practice. "Get to that ball. Get to the brown thing."

Check out the top shots from Day 14 of 2025 Browns Training Camp as players got to work with drills, workouts and team prep in Philadelphia.

Win the battle in the trenches on both sides

Throughout the two joint practices against the Eagles, both head coach Kevin Stefanski and G Joel Bitonio talked about the imposing front of the Eagles. Not just the defensive line, but the offensive line as well.

Both lines are filled with All-Pros and Pro Bowlers like Lane Johnson or Jalen Carter. If both teams' starters play, the first drives could be an indicator of where the Browns' starting offensive and defensive line stand.

"I think they are well coached. I think they have really good players," Stefanski said. "I mentioned the other day where I think this is probably the best offensive lines and defensive lines in the game. So, it's a great challenge for our guys."

The second and third string offensive and defensive lines will set the course of the game if Stefanski follows a similar rotation he did against the Panthers. In that game, the Browns totaled 308 yards, including 138 passing yards and 125 rushing yards. That wasn't able to happen without the offensive line opening up holes for runners and providing a clean pocket for Sanders and QB Tyler Huntley.

On the other side of the line, the defense racked up four sacks, including DE Julian Okwara recording two. Rookie DT Mason Graham showcased that he could create chaos against the Eagles already, getting two "sacks" in Wednesday's joint practice. Also, LB Carson Schwesinger's ability to be all over the field will play a role. The UCLA product had half a "sack" in Wednesday's practice following recording a team-leading six tackles against the Panthers.

Get into an offensive rhythm early in the game

Whoever plays at quarterback for the Browns on Saturday, they need to get into a rhythm from the first offensive drive onwards. Whether it's having a clean pocket or finding easy throws and run plays to start the game, getting the first score can set the tone for the Browns.

After the defense and special teams helped hold the Panthers in check, the offense can return the favor this week. The Browns' offense working in tandem with the defense to get points in the first quarter and subsequently, a lead on the road, will help win the game.

Check out the top shots from Day 13 of 2025 Browns Training Camp as players got to work with drills, workouts and team prep in Philadelphia.

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