The Browns tied their first road preseason game with the Eagles on Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field 18-18.
Here are three takeaways from the night.
1. DTR continues to shine
Thompson-Robinson has been the talk of the preseason with his stellar play, and he continued to create more noise Thursday night.
Thompson-Robinson, a fifth-round rookie from UCLA, got his first start of the preseason and played the entire first half. In his first drive of the day, Thompson-Robinson and the offense marched down the field on a 12-play, 81-yard drive.
The drive unfortunately ended with a fumble from RB John Kelly Jr. near the goal-line, but Thompson-Robinson still showed a strong ability to command the pocket and deliver crisp throws.
" I love the kid effort," Kevin Stefanski said. "I love his feistiness."
Thompson-Robinson finished the day completing 13 of 25 passes for 164 yards with no interceptions. He also flashed deep ball accuracy, completing a 36-yard bomb to WR Cedric Tillman and completions of 27 and 22 yards to WR Austin Watkins.
Check out photos of the Browns against the Eagles
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (90) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Wide receiver Austin Watkins Jr. (80) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (89) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (22) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Safety Tanner McCalister (48) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Kicker Cade York (3) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (90) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Offensive tackle James Hudson III (66) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Wide receiver Austin Watkins Jr. (80) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
The offense during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (89) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Defensive end Chuck Wiley (59) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Running back Hassan Hall (30) OR Safety Nate Meadors (30) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (28) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Wide receiver David Bell (18) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Running back Demetric Felton Jr. (25) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Defensive tackle Tommy Togiai (93) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Wide receiver Austin Watkins Jr. (80) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Quarterback Kellen Mond (7) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Run Game Coordinator/Running Backs Coach Stump Mitchell during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Defensive tackle Tommy Togiai (93) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Running back Demetric Felton Jr. (25) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (97) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Cornerback Caleb Biggers (39) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Quarterback Joshua Dobbs (15) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Offensive tackle Michael Dunn (68) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (90) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (74) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Kicker Cade York (3) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Defensive tackle Siaki Ika (62) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Defensive tackle Tommy Togiai (93) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Linebacker Tony Fields II (42) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr. (79) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Defensive end Jeremiah Martin (69) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
The defense during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Linebacker Charlie Thomas III (35) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Kicker Cade York (3) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Running back Demetric Felton Jr. (25) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Safety D'Anthony Bell (37) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Cornerback Chris Westry (20) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (74) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Safety Tanner McCalister (48) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Kicker Cade York (3) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Center Nick Harris (53) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Defensive tackle Tommy Togiai (93) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Safety Nate Meadors (30) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (90) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
A coach during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (90) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr. (79) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Cornerback Lorenzo Burns (27) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (97) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Running back Hassan Hall (30) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Wide receiver Anthony Schwartz (10) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Defensive end Sam Kamara (92) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Kicker Cade York (3) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Center Luke Wypler (56) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Safety Tanner McCalister (48) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Kicker Cade York (3) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
A fan during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Running back Hassan Hall (30) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Quarterback Kellen Mond (7) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Defensive end Lonnie Phelps (63) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Wide receiver Austin Watkins Jr. (80) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Defensive tackle Tommy Togiai (93) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Bubba Ventrone during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Defensive end Chuck Wiley (59) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Safety D'Anthony Bell (37) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.
2. The defense caused havoc all game
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and the Browns defense built perhaps their best performance of the preseason thus far, blitzing the Eagles for six sacks, one forced fumble and one interception.
LB Mohamoud Diabate made plays all over the field in the first half. He led the Browns with six tackles and made a crucial play by tackling RB Kenneth Gainwell in the end zone on the first drive of the game for a safety. In the second quarter, he caused a fumble on RB Trey Sermon, which allowed CB Cam Mitchell to recover the ball. The next drive resulted in a field goal.
"I thought he was very active," Kevin Stefanski said. "he flies around the field. "He did a great job ball searching. He brings a ton of energy and brought that all 60 minutes."
S Ronnie Hickman got his third pick in two games when he picked off QB Marcus Mariota in the first quarter. Hickman left the game in the second quarter due to concussion protocol.
3. Austin Watkins lights out again
Watkins had been a star player in the first two preseason games, and he delivered his best game yet to pace the Browns' pass game.
Watkins finished the day with seven catches for 139 yards and a touchdown, including two great catches in the second half. He caught a 23-yard pass from QB Kellen Mond in the third quarter and then caught a 32-yard touchdown pass down the right side three plays later, winning the contested catch between two defenders and taking advantage of a clear path to the end zone.
"He did a nice job," Stefanski said. "With receivers it's can you get open and can you go make a play when the ball is in the air. He did both. Was really pleased with his effort he is very competitive."
Watkins has led Browns receivers in receiving yards in all three preseason games and has totaled 245 yards in the preseason, building an enticing case to potentially crack a spot on the 53-man roster despite playing in a crowded wide receiver room.
