On Saturday August 10th, 2024, at 4:25 PM eastern time the Cleveland Browns opened their 2024 preseason at home against the Green Bay Packers. Cleveland’s franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson did not play, and backup quarterback Jameis Winston started at quarterback for the Browns. Watson was still rehabbing his shoulder from season ending surgery in November of 2023.The Green Bay Packers did start their recently extended franchise quarterback Jordan Love. The Browns did play two starters on defense against the Packers starting quarterback and starting offense.

An early Green Bay touchdown was given up by 2nd year defensive back Ronnie Hickman. Hickman appeared to have pulled his hamstring when giving up the 65-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Love to Dontayvion Wicks. The Browns did answer with a scoring drive that ended with a Cade York 55-yard field goal. The rest of the game was the Green Bay Packers backup players outplaying the Cleveland Browns backup players. Statistically the day belonged to Green Bay. However, the Browns played only 4 starting offensive linemen in the first series on offense. They also only played 2 starting defensive backs early in the game. Safety Grant Delpit and CB Martin Emmerson played in the first two defensive series for the Browns. All other Cleveland Browns players were reserve of back up players. It appears that Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was not about to show too much to the Browns 2024 opponents. But Cleveland Browns fans still expect a better performance from their team.

The preseason is not always the best metric of success for the regular season. Remember the 2017 Cleveland Browns went 4-0 in the preseason and 0-16 in the regular season. However, fans want to see the execution of clean football. They want to see a low number of penalties and blown assignments. The Browns offense and defense in this preseason game did not execute good football. Even though it was mostly backup players for the Browns. Execution and intensity must happen when professional players take the field.

Last season the Cleveland Browns had the top ranked defense in NFL. This was especially at home in Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns are hoping to replicate and even improve the defense from 2023. If this game is any indication for the rest 2024, the Cleveland Browns have work to do.