The Browns have started the preseason off on the right foot, earning their first preseason win with a 30-10 victory over the Panthers.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski and the Browns will use the positive moments from their win over the Panthers as they take the next step forward on both sides of the ball. Cleveland prepares to travel to Philadelphia for two joint practices ahead of the Week 2 preseason matchup against the Eagles.
So, with the first week of the preseason wrapped up and the Browns turning their focus to Week 2 against the Eagles, let’s take one last look at three of the top performers from Friday’s game in Charlotte.
De Julian too
While several of the Browns’ starting defensive line did not take the field in the first preseason game, it gave an opportunity for their younger players and new additions on the roster to earn game reps. They rotated through several players at defensive end, including DE Julian Okwara.
And Okwara utilized his reps to his advantage, showcasing how he can rush the passer in the Browns’ attack-style defense. Okwara recorded two sacks in Friday’s game against the Panthers, leading the Browns in sacks for the game.
Early in the second quarter, Okwara broke past the offensive line and sacked QB Andy Dalton for a loss of 10 yards, forcing the Panthers into a three-and-out situation. In the second half early in the fourth quarter, Okwara got into the backfield once again and brought down QB Jack Plummer for his second sack.
Okwara also recorded two tackles, two quarterback hits and two tackles for loss against the Panthers.
