The Philadelphia Eagles lost to the Cleveland Browns, 22-13, in their second game of the NFL preseason at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday. Quarterbacks Dorian Thompson-Robinson and rookie Kyle McCord shared playing time for Philadelphia.
Cleveland opened the scoring with a 4-yard touchdown run by Ahmani Marshall, capping a 13-play drive. A missed extra point kept the score at 6-0. In the second quarter, Eagles safety Andrew Mukuba intercepted Dillon Gabriel and returned it 75 yards for a touchdown, giving Philadelphia a brief lead. “Just like that, the Eagles have the lead and Mukuba comes up with the biggest play of the preseason so far,” according to Matt Ryan.
Mukuba later recovered a fumble on a muffed handoff, marking his second turnover of the game. Rookie wide receiver Ainais Smith caught a 9-yard touchdown pass from McCord—his second touchdown of the preseason—putting Philadelphia ahead again. After an unsuccessful two-point conversion attempt following a roughing-the-passer penalty, the Eagles led 13-9.
The Browns narrowed the gap with a 49-yard field goal before halftime, bringing the score to 13-12 in favor of Philadelphia.
In the third quarter, Cleveland regained control after returning an interception for a touchdown against Thompson-Robinson. The Browns extended their lead with another field goal in the fourth quarter.
Several players stood out for Philadelphia despite the loss. Safety Andrew Mukuba had both an interception return for a touchdown and a fumble recovery in his first game as an Eagle. Linebacker Jihaad Campbell recorded his first sack of the preseason among four tackles during his first start. Punter Braden Mann averaged over 52 yards per punt on seven attempts, including punts of 62 and 67 yards. Rookie linebacker Smael Mondon made key tackles near the line of scrimmage during multiple defensive stands.
The Eagles will resume practice on Monday before facing the New York Jets in their final preseason game at MetLife Stadium on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
