CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns closed the preseason with their most complete performance of the summer Thursday night, defeating the New England Patriots 37-13 at Huntington Bank Field.
With many projected starters resting ahead of the regular season, several young players took advantage of extended opportunities. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel led the way, completing 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns in one half of work to help Cleveland finish the preseason 1-2.
The Browns wasted little time getting on the scoreboard.
Gabriel directed a 67-yard opening drive, capping it with a 6-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Luke Floriea for an early 7-0 lead. New England answered moments later when Tommy DeVito connected with Kyle Williams on a 45-yard touchdown pass, but Cleveland quickly regained control.
Gabriel's second touchdown strike came midway through the opening quarter, as he found Floriea again from 14 yards out to put the Browns back in front. Cleveland added a pair of Andre Szmyt field goals before Gabriel tossed his third touchdown of the first half, a 7-yard pass to running back Ahmani Marshall that sent the Browns into halftime with a 27-13 advantage.
While Gabriel starred through the air, Cleveland's defense steadily took over after allowing New England's opening touchdown.
The Browns held the Patriots scoreless in the second half and forced two interceptions of rookie quarterback Behren Morton. Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold recorded the first takeaway on a tipped pass, while Justin Jefferson added another interception later in the fourth quarter. Those turnovers helped Cleveland maintain control as the Patriots struggled to sustain drives.
Rookie quarterback Taylen Green handled the second half and showcased the athleticism that made him an intriguing draft selection. Green completed 5 of 7 passes while adding 66 rushing yards, including a 30-yard scramble that ignited a 98-yard touchdown drive capped by Davon Booth's 8-yard scoring run early in the fourth quarter.
Floriea continued his strong preseason with two touchdown receptions, strengthening his case for a spot on Cleveland's 53-man roster. Gabriel also spread the ball effectively to Gage Larvadain, Ben Patterson and Kole Wilson, highlighting the depth the Browns have developed at wide receiver.
Although preseason results don't count in the standings, the finale gave Cleveland's coaching staff plenty of encouraging performances to evaluate before final roster decisions. The Browns generated consistent offense, protected the football and played their cleanest game of the preseason as they turned their attention toward Week 1.
What's Next: The Browns must trim their roster to the NFL's 53-player limit before beginning preparations for their Sept. 13 regular-season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Final roster decisions and practice squad signings will take center stage over the coming days.