Cleveland Browns – Philadelphia Eagles : 20-21
The Browns can still play Deshaun Watson in the preseason before he challenges his suspension, but they didn’t on Sunday. It was therefore Joshua Dobbs (14/20, 141 yards – 4 carries, 47 yards) who had the opportunity to shine and who did a good part of the match. The third quarterback from Cleveland notably signed a nice run of 36 yards. After two preseason games, he naturally stands out as the third man behind Watson and Brissett, which should make him the latter’s understudy during the former’s absence. And Josh Rosen (7/20, 88 yards) in all this? Five offensive series and not a single point for him. The fall of the former choice of the first round of the Draft does not seem to have an end. His place in Cleveland is anything but assured.
The Eagles had also rested their main starters, starting with Jalen Hurts and his star receivers. Gardner Minshew (14/17, 142 yards) was therefore able to show that there is still a solid lining. He did it by distributing the ball in particular to a Deion Cain (5 rec, 66 yards) very long.
Hurdler Devon Allen caught a 55-yard pass that he took to the end zone for a touchdown.
New York Giants – Cincinnati Bengals : 25-22
Daniel Jones (14/16, 116 yards, 1 int) continues his solid preparation. If he failed to find Kenny Golladay, who nevertheless played 21 snaps, the quarterback at least found a connection with Davis Sills (5 rec, 56 yards) or Antonio Williams (7 rec, 46 yards). Jones was intercepted when one of his passes bounced off the hands of rookie tight end Daniel Bellinger.
It was Dax Hill, another rookie, who chipped the ball for the Bengals. The safety played the entire first half and showed that he might do more than bring depth from the bench if Jesse Bates decides not to return to play because of his tag franchise. Hill added 6 tackles and overall presence to his interception.
Still in defense for Cincinnati, Clay Johnston was in a cuddly mood, having accumulated 20 tackles on the evening.
The bad news of the evening for New York is Kayvon Thibodeaux’s knee injury. For now, NFL Media reports that there will be optimism on the New York side, but testing is still to come on Monday.
Arizona Cardinals – Baltimore Ravens : 17-24
Lamar Jackson likes tight ends? So much the better, because there is a youngster who seems to be able to help on the Baltimore side. Targeted eight times, Isaiah Likely was the star of the evening with 8 receptions for 100 yards and 1 touchdown. The player selected in the fourth round was notably everywhere on the last offensive of the first half, during which he collected 5 balls for 67 yards, including the touchdown in the middle of four defenders.
Likely helped Tyler Huntley (13/14, 129 yards, 1 TD) have a great night.
The Cardinals starters weren’t out either. It was the runners on the bench who caught the eye in the fight for the last places in the squad. In this little game, it was Jonathan Ward who shone the strongest, with 3 races for 11 yards, a reception for 27 lengths, but above all 3 kickoff returns for 90 yards, including 1 from 48 yards. A versatility that might weigh in his favor when finalizing the group.