In the game that featured numerous second-team players, head coach Todd Monken had the chance to evaluate QB Shedeur Sanders in another game setting, as well as see young players across the roster compete.
After a strong first half that featured the Browns' lone touchdown of the game, they struggled on both sides of the ball in the second half. Cleveland fell to the Bills 31-7 in the second week of the preseason.
"I'm proud of the way we started the game," Monken said. "Second week in a row, I felt like we started well on both sides of the ball. We didn't do a great job finishing our third drive, ended up with a turnover, a little behind and certainly could have made the catch. We didn't finish at the half, and then it got away from us in the second half. Bottom line, it doesn't matter who takes the field for us. It's about the expectations we have of ourselves, their names on the back, and the expectations of us as an organization for how we're going to play."
Here are the three main takeaways from the second week of the preseason.
Shedeur Sanders operates the offense with confidence
QB Shedeur Sanders started the second preseason game against the Bills and played the entirety of the first half. He started off the game strong as he led the Browns on a scoring drive on their opening offensive series. They converted a fourth-and-2 with a 16-yard pass completion to TE Blake Whiteheart before Sanders found WR Luke Floriea in the back of the end zone for an 8-yard touchdown pass.
"I'd say getting the first completion was the biggest difference, and then it was just rolling from there," Sanders said on what he was most of on Saturday. "And operating within the huddle, the play clock and everything – being on time, not letting the play clock get too low to where it could be a hazard. I was just operating and being in control."
While the Browns were forced to punt on the second offensive drive, Sanders led the Browns down the field on their third drive. He connected with TE Carsen Ryan for a 13-yard gain, and then Floriea for a 23-yard completion four plays later. They continued to move the ball down into the red zone before Sanders was picked off as his pass intended for TE Jermaine Terry was tipped by the ILB Joe Andreeseen and caught by S Damar Hamlin.
As Monken assessed Sanders' full first-half performance, he said there were many areas of his game that he liked. Sanders completed his first eight passing attempts, including a third-and-15 completion to Floriea.
"He plays with a certain amount of confidence, and he's gotten a lot better at getting rid of the ball," Monken said. "He obviously wants to make a play. I'll give you an example: on the third-and15 we converted, he held onto the ball and let the receiver clear. There are going to be other times where that sweet spot is and he has to check it down, but he did a great job progressing. […] I thought he did a lot of really good things. I'm really proud of him and how far he's come from the moment I got here to now. Very impressive."
Browse action photos from the Browns' 2026 Preseason Week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills, featuring top plays and moments.
Wide receiver Luke Floriea (81) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Julian Okwara (99) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Julian Okwara (99) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Elijah Chatman (62) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold and Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) (42) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Head Coach Todd Monken during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (28) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Tre Avery (11) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (42) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Michael Coats Jr. (39) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Michael Coats Jr. (39) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (0) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (0) and Tight end Carsen Ryan (48) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive back D'Angelo Ross (20) and Offensive tackle KT Leveston (72) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) and Punter Nik Constantinou (30) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) and Punter Nik Constantinou (30) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (28) and Safety Donovan McMillon (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Malachi Corley (83) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
The offense during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Blake Whiteheart (86) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Luke Floriea (81) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) and Wide receiver Luke Floriea (81) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Center Luke Wypler (56) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Ahmani Marshall (23) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Khordae Sydnor (90) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) and Defensive tackle Patrick Jenkins (53) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (42), Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51), and Linebacker Winston Reid (59) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (0) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Tyler Hall (29) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Jermaine Terry (85) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (0) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) and Safety Christopher Edmonds (41) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Michael Coats Jr. (39) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Tre Avery (11) and Cornerback Tyler Hall (29) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Kole Wilson (87) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
The offense during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Carsen Ryan (48) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Tylan Wallace (16) and Wide receiver Luke Floriea (81) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Luke Floriea (81) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) and Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Khordae Sydnor (90) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Austin Barber (58) and Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) and Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Logan Fano (97) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Coziah Izzard (68) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Julian Okwara (99) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
The defense during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Tre Avery (11) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Christopher Edmonds (41) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) and Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Justin Jefferson (17) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Julian Okwara (99) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Michael Coats Jr. (39) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Jeremiah McClendon (47) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle KT Leveston (72) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Carsen Ryan (48) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Punter Wes Pahl (36) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Jeremiah Byers (63) and Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Ben Patterson (38) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Izavion Miller (60) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Jermaine Terry (85) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Jamil Muhammad (67) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Jeremiah McClendon (47) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Zion Washington (34) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Kole Wilson (87) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Kole Wilson (87) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Izavion Miller (60) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Izavion Miller (60) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Malachi Corley (83) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (6) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Kole Wilson (87) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Zion Washington (34) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Second-team offensive line holds strong
With the first team offensive line not starting the second preseason game, the Browns' second team had the chance to start against the Bills. On the Browns' opening offensive drive, they lined up KT Leveston at left tackle, Zak Zinter at left guard, Luke Wypler at center, Austin Barber at right guard and Dawand Jones at right tackle.
As an offensive line, they kept the pocket clean for Sanders to move through his progressions and make plays throughout the first half. Sanders only took one sack on the second offensive drive of the game early in the second quarter as the pocket collapsed.
While the Browns have narrowed in on their starting five offensive linemen, assessing the backup offensive linemen who could fill in at spots throughout the season, seeing how they operate in game settings in the first half is an important part of the evaluation.
Luke Floriea makes key offensive play with touchdown
Floriea continues to take advantage of his reps, both in practice and in game settings, as the wide receiver room continues their position battle for spots on the roster. In the second preseason game against the Bills, Floriea had four targets with two receptions for 31 yards, including a 23-yard reception and an 8-yard touchdown catch.
"Absolutely a dream come true," Floriea said of his touchdown. "Growing up and coming to all these games is super cool, it almost felt surreal when the ball hit my hand."
