The Philadelphia Eagles head out on a road trip to play the Cleveland Browns in Week 3 of the NFL preseason. The Eagles come into the game with a 2-0 preseason record, following impressive wins over the Pittsburgh Steelers and 
New England Patriots. Cleveland also enters undefeated in the NFL preseason, with victories over the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers.
This game is also a preview of the season opener when the Eagles once again travel on the road to open their season against the Browns.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns have not opened a preseason 3-0 since 1994, but that will be a tall task in a contest where the starters usually play deep into the second half of play. This will give rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden a chance to continue to show what he's got before he finally makes his rookie regular season debut against the Eagles. The frontrunner for the backup position should become clear as Colt McCoy and Seneca Wallace compete for playing time.
One player Browns' fans won't see is Trent Richardson but the word is he will return by the season opener, which will help Cleveland develop even more.
On defense, Cleveland has to improve when it comes to stopping the run. They were horrible in 2011 and have not been overly impressive in the 2012 NFL preseason. They struggled against Detroit but did better against Green Bay, although the Packers came in with an injury-depleted backfield. LeSean McCoy will give the Browns' defense all the work they need.
Philadelphia Eagles
While the teams will rely on their starters in this dress rehearsal for the regular season, quarterback Michael Vick won't start for the Eagles this week. Vick hurt his ribs in the game against the New England Patriots and Nick Foles will start this game. With Vick's injury risks, this is a great chance for Foles to prove he is a reliable backup for Phily. In the first two games, Foles is 24-for-38 for 361 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.
There is a big competition going on in the Philadelphia defensive secondary between Joselio Hanson and Brandon Boykin. The rookie Boykin has outplayed the veteran on the team and has an opportunity to win the nickel cornerback role. With the Browns' young and inexperienced offense, these two players will have plenty of chances to prove who needs to start.
Image from Wikimedia Commons
recommend
Facebook
Twitter
bookmark 
print
