The Cleveland Browns secured a Strong Preseason Win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday, thanks to a defensive spark from K.J. Henry. With rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders sidelined due to an oblique injury, the Browns leaned on their defense to carry the load, and it delivered in style.
Henry’s 45-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter proved to be the decisive play in Cleveland’s 22-13 victory. While both teams rested most of their starters, the matchup provided valuable opportunities for rookies and depth players to showcase their talent.
Sanders Sidelines, Defense Steps Up
The Browns entered the game without Sanders, who injured his oblique during joint practices earlier in the week. The rookie sensation had impressed in his preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers, completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns. His absence against the Eagles left Cleveland searching for answers at quarterback.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski opted for Dillon Gabriel, a third-round pick, as the starter. Gabriel finished the night completing 13 of 18 passes for 143 yards but also threw a costly interception returned for a touchdown. Despite mixed results, Gabriel showed flashes of command and poise under pressure.
Tyler “Snoop” Huntley and Kyle McCord also saw action. Huntley went 10 of 13 for 71 yards, while McCord, playing close to his hometown in New Jersey, tossed a late touchdown pass. Still, it was clear the offensive rhythm was inconsistent.
That inconsistency made Henry’s defensive brilliance the turning point in securing a Strong Preseason Win.
K.J. Henry Ignites Browns’ Defense
Early in the third quarter, Henry stepped in front of a pass from Dorian Thompson-Robinson and raced untouched 45 yards to the end zone. The score flipped the momentum, giving Cleveland a 19-13 lead they would not surrender.
For Henry, the play symbolized what coaches preach about making the most of opportunities. Preseason games often hinge on which players seize their moment, and Henry made his count. His pick-6 was the kind of highlight that builds confidence for both the player and the defense as a whole.
Cleveland’s defensive unit capitalized on mistakes, forced turnovers, and kept the Eagles’ offense frustrated. That energy and opportunism defined this Strong Preseason Win.
Eagles’ Rookies Shine Despite Loss
While the Browns celebrated Henry’s heroics, the Eagles found silver linings in the play of their rookies. Second-round pick Andrew Mukuba delivered a standout performance with a 75-yard interception return for a touchdown, a fumble recovery, and a pass breakup.
Mukuba’s big night impressed fans and coaches alike. After missing time with a shoulder injury in training camp, he looked sharp and positioned himself as a strong contender to start at safety. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni praised Mukuba, noting his natural instinct to always be around the football.
First-round pick Jihaad Campbell also made an early impact, recording a sack on the second play of the game. Philadelphia may have dropped the game, but the flashes from its rookies hinted at defensive reinforcements for the upcoming season.
Even in defeat, the Eagles’ young talent provided hope, while Cleveland leveraged veteran composure and Henry’s spark to secure a Strong Preseason Win.
Quarterback Rotation Adds Drama
The Browns’ quarterback situation remains one of the preseason’s biggest storylines. Sanders’ injury meant Cleveland leaned on Gabriel, Huntley, and McCord to manage the offense. Gabriel showed accuracy, but his pick-6 blemished his night. Huntley played efficiently but didn’t produce explosive plays. McCord’s late touchdown offered a glimpse of promise.
Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Sanders all sat out, meaning the Browns had to shuffle reps among their remaining options. Stefanski explained the cautious approach, emphasizing the importance of protecting players before the regular season.
Still, the quarterback rotation underscored why the defense’s performance was crucial. With so much uncertainty under center, Cleveland needed other units to step up, and that effort defined this Strong Preseason Win.
Eagles’ Struggles Without Starters
Like the Browns, the Eagles rested their key starters. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, running back Saquon Barkley, and several offensive linemen sat out. Their absence limited Philadelphia’s offensive production, as they managed just 88 total yards on the night.
Backup quarterback Tanner McKee also did not play, leaving Thompson-Robinson and McCord to shoulder the load. Mistakes and protection issues plagued both, with a high snap contributing to Thompson-Robinson’s pick-6.
Philadelphia’s offense never found a rhythm, while Cleveland’s defense capitalized. For the Eagles, the game offered little to celebrate beyond Mukuba and Campbell’s emergence. For the Browns, it cemented their ability to grind out a Strong Preseason Win even in imperfect circumstances.
What This Win Means for Cleveland
Preseason records often mean little, but the way a team wins can shape confidence heading into the regular season. Cleveland’s victory showed resilience, adaptability, and defensive toughness.
Henry’s pick-6 provided a spark, but the larger takeaway is how the Browns found ways to win without Sanders, Flacco, or Pickett. Depth players gained valuable reps, while the defense built trust in its ability to create game-changing plays.
For Stefanski, this was more than just a result—it was proof his team can handle adversity. A Strong Preseason Win like this lays the foundation for long-term confidence when the season begins.
Looking Ahead
The Browns will evaluate Sanders’ injury status ahead of the preseason finale. Stefanski remains optimistic that Sanders, Flacco, Pickett, and Gabriel could all be available next week. The quarterback competition remains fluid, with Sanders’ health likely dictating the team’s Week 1 direction.
The Eagles, meanwhile, continue sorting out depth on both sides of the ball. Mukuba and Campbell may have earned themselves bigger roles, but Philadelphia must stabilize its offensive line and backup quarterback situation.
Both teams know preseason results don’t define their seasons, but performances like Henry’s and Mukuba’s can shape careers.
For Cleveland, this matchup wasn’t just about a scoreline. It was about resilience, adaptability, and proving they could deliver a Strong Preseason Win in the face of challenges.
Conclusion
The Browns’ 22-13 victory over the Eagles wasn’t a polished offensive showcase, but it revealed depth, grit, and defensive brilliance. K.J. Henry’s pick-6 stood out as the highlight, turning the tide and securing momentum.
With Sanders sidelined, questions remain at quarterback, but the team proved it can win in multiple ways. That flexibility and resilience define what a Strong Preseason Win truly means.
For the Browns, this game provided more than just a victory—it gave them belief that they can adapt, adjust, and find ways to succeed, even when stars are absent. And as preseason winds down, that confidence may be just as valuable as any highlight reel play.