The Browns started the 2024 preseason with a 23-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers in a game that several starters did not play, including QB Deshaun Watson.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski and the rest of the Browns will use the loss to further evaluate their roster ahead of the regular season.
"A ton to learn from, I mean a ton – for everybody," Stefanski said after the game. "There were some things that we can definitely do better, too sloppy in a bunch of areas, but as I reminded the team, we are very much in training camp, so we will continue to work."
Here are the top three takeaways from Saturday's game.
QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson has strong second-half performance
Second-year QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson hadn't played football since going down with a season-ending injury on Christmas Eve in 2023.
The former fifth-round pick finished the Browns' preseason opener completing 14-of-18 passing attempts for 134 yards after taking over in the second half.
"He made some plays, obviously that fourth-down play was very impressive, going to his left and being able to get the first down," Stefanski said. "Plenty that he can do better on, but obviously the goal for that quarterback is to get in the end zone."
Thompson-Robinson led the offense to the end zone once, with rookie RB Aidan Robbins getting the score. On the previous drive, the Browns offense made it to the Packers' 11-yard line before turning it over on downs.
As he enters his second season as a pro, Thompson-Robinson said he gained more confidence as he learns the ins and outs of playing in the NFL.
"I'd say I just feel more comfortable with everything going on, with how the preseason works, how training camp practices are going," Thompson-Robinson said. "Just coming in here with a good foundation and a good idea coming off of last year that I didn't have, obviously, the year before."
Thompson-Robinson led the offense on two 13-play drives to end the game – one of which resulted in a turnover on downs deep in Green Bay territory and the other a touchdown. Thompson-Robinson was effective in taking what the defense gave him while also finding open receivers downfield for explosive plays. Six of Thompson-Robinson's passing attempts between the two drives went for over 10 yards.
"I think it just goes to show my maturity going into Year 2, being able to sustain long drives," Thompson-Robinson said. "Being able to not get bored throughout the drive, take what the defense is giving you and know when you have a shot to be able to take it."
DT Mike Hall enjoys debut in front of hometown crowd
The Browns' preseason opener meant a lot to their second-round selection in the 2024 Draft, as DT Mike Hall Jr. returned to his hometown to begin his NFL career.
The former Ohio State Buckeye said he was elated to play in front of Browns fans as he saw his first NFL action Saturday afternoon.
"It was everything and plus," Hall said after the game. "It was a hell of a feeling, happy to rep my city and play in front of thousands of fans."
Hall saw a lot of double teams from the Packers center and guards while on the field, finishing with one tackle. The rookie, who has earned praise from teammates over the course of camp for his work ethic and natural ability, understands that facing double teams is the reality of playing his position.
"I mean, I'm a d-lineman so double team blocks, you gotta put that in consideration but, can't let that deter me in anyway," Hall said. "If it's two guys on me, obviously somebody's coming in free."
WR Jamari Thrash shows potential for explosive plays
The Browns' fifth-round pick, rookie WR Jamari Thrash, played much of the second half, finishing with three receptions for 43 yards – leading all Browns pass catchers. Thompson-Robinson said that his friendship off the field with Thrash has helped the two understand how the other plays, something that became clear on Saturday.
Thrash averaged more than 18 yards per catch in college and his speed – running a 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Combine – allows him to quickly create separation from defensive backs.
The rookie receiver said that making his first catch – a 5-yard reception in the third quarter – was a big boost for his confidence as he made his NFL debut.
"Coming in, first game as a rookie, you have the jitters, you're starting all over again," Thrash said. "So I got my first catch and I started to get my feet wet a little bit and sort of calmed down and just played my game and realize, you know, I'm playing football, and football is football."
