Browns-Eagles Stock Market: Cleveland Finishes Off A Productive Week With Preseason Win Over Eagles

Later in the first half, Mukuba was Johnny on the spot when Gabriel and Pierre Strong botched a handoff, setting up a short field for the offense, which was ultimately converted when Ainias Smith generated consistent separation on an inside slant by Kyle McCord for a 9-yard TD pass.

Ainias Smith - Smith was able to flash his short-area quickness on two occasions. Before the TD, the former Texas A&M star disengaged for a 10-yard gain on a slant.

It might not seem like much, but 19 yards when you generate only 37 over the first 30 minutes is pretty substantial. 

Jihaad Campbell - Campbell showed off his freaky athleticism from the second level early in the game when he got loose for a 4-yard sack of Gabriel and stayed bust overall with four tackles.  

THE BEARS:

Preseason games:  The league-wide trend is now de-emphasizing preseason games in favor of joint practices when it comes to the key players. 

All the reps in the sessions between the Browns and Eagles on Wednesday and Thursday were with the ones and twos, except for a small developmental period at the end of the Wednesday practice.

That means the entrenched players on each team got in their work during the week in front of fewer prying eyes. 

Jeremiah Trotter Jr.: It’s not so much that Trotter didn’t play well as being the victim of Campbell flashing his upside. With Zack Baun returning soon, it’s going to be hard for Trotter to hold off the playmaking skill of the first-round pick, and the fact that Trotter played into the third quarter is not a positive in this environment. 

Third-Down Defense - The Eagles have up six consecutive third downs to start the game against a rookie QB in Gabriel despite a host of could-be starters playing. 

The main culprits were the lack of an interior push up front and some issues in the slot with undrafted rookie Brandon Johnson.

STAGNANT STOCK:

The cornerbacks: Adoree’ Jackson gave up completions but kept things in front of him. Recent trade pickup Jakorian Bennett had a PBU and added some solid work on special teams, while Kelee Ringo continues to seem a step behind. In other words, business as usual.

MOST NOTEWORTHY DEVELOPMENT:

Rookie fifth-round pick Drew Kendall got second-team reps at left guard instead of Darian Kinnard, who had been doing that at practice since Landon Dickerson went down with his meniscus injury.

This felt like an audition for Kendall if Dickerson isn't ready for Week 1. Brett Toth started the game at LG and then moved to center in the second half. It seems like the Eagles wouldn't want Toth playing in the regular season, however.

Kinnard, meanwhile, started at right guard.