3 Takeaways From Browns Preseason Opener vs. Packers

Finally, football returned to the shores of Lake Erie as the Cleveland Browns hosted the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 of the 2024/25 NFL Preseason. 

As always, preseason football comes with many ups and downs as players are fighting for roster spots in hopes to make the final 53-man roster. Here are three quick things you can take from Packers vs. Browns. 

Concerns Around Offensive Line Loom

The major storyline surrounding the Browns offensive line so far in camp has been the left tackle position, as we haven't seen Jedrick Wills return yet. Jack Conklin is also still working his way back from injuries. 

Early in the game today, the Browns lost their backup center Luke Wypler after suffering an ankle injury requiring the air cast and the cart to get him off the field. 

The second and third string offensive lineman weren't great today for the Browns. Tyler Huntley was constantly under pressure this afternoon and had to use his legs to extend plays. Huntley was also sacked once on third down. Thompson-Robinson was also under pressure the minute he stepped on the field.

I know, you know, and the Browns know they need to sure up the left tackle position as soon as possible to protect Watson and his blindside. Look for the Browns to give Watson some run next week which should mean we also see the starting offensive line out there as well. 

The Browns Have a Good Problem

The Browns and Andrew Berry believe they have a quarterback room that consists of four guys that all deserve to be on a 53-man roster -- and they might be right. 

It goes without saying Deshaun Watson and Jameis Winston will headline the quarterback room for the entire season. Looking beyond those two, you have former Pro Bowl quarterback Tyler Huntley and Dorian Thompson-Robinson. 

Huntley looked as expected today; made a few throws, extended a few plays with his legs, and didn't turn the ball over. Thompson-Robinson put together a great game showing some chemistry with rookie receiver Jamari Thrash while spraying the ball all across the field. 

It probably makes the most sense for the Browns to hang on to Thompson-Robinson as their QB3 this season, given Berry used a 5th round pick on him and he is still on his rookie deal. Regardless, this battle will be a fun one to continue to monitor. 

Isaiah Thomas Looked Good

As most of you already know, the Browns had the top-ranked defense in all of football last season. Led by Myles Garrett and Zadarius Smith, the Browns defensive line group is loaded. 

Isaiah Thomas was waived by the Browns in August of 2023 and then signed to the practice squad shortly after. In ten games as a rookie in 2022, Thomas totaled nine tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery. 

Thomas looked sharp today against the Packers, recording a handful of quarterback pressures to go along with a big-time stop that led to the Browns getting the ball back on offense. Keep an eye on Thomas in the Browns' remaining preseason games, as well as the rest of camp.