The Cleveland Browns came into their final preseason game with something to prove. They had scored a whopping 17 points in their first two preseason games combined. But on Thursday night, they eclipsed that in the first quarter.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel came out firing on all cylinders, and the offense was moving well. The Patriots were sloppy with penalties, which helped the Browns, but Cleveland kept them at bay for most of the game. It was a long night for the Patriots and a memorable one for the Browns, as their offense finally exploded.
With that in mind, they are likely to earn some favorable report card grades in this piece.
Quarterbacks Grade: ALuke powering it in for 6!#NEvsCLE on @NFLonPrimepic.twitter.com/b8BAvwthgP
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 28, 2026Dillon Gabriel was rumored to be on the fringe of the roster heading into cutdown day on Sunday. After his performance, he has likely locked up a roster spot with a dominant showing in the first half. He was 12 for 15 with 186 passing yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, rookie Taylen Green showcased his athleticism and also made a strong case to make the roster or at least the practice squad.
Running Back Grades: BDavon Booth scored his first NFL touchdown, and the team as a whole looked great. They averaged 4.4 yards per carry, and the running game was keeping drives going and made the quarterbacks' lives easier. They could've had some more explosive runs, but it was a strong performance overall.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends Grade: B+Luke Floriea had a career game and certainly should have locked up a roster spot capping off a strong preseason with two touchdowns. On top of that, players like Ben Patterson and Gage Larvadian also added some spark plays and strong targets for the quarterbacks on Thursday night.
Offensive Line Grade: A+Watch Browns rookie RG Austin Barber getting out in front on the screen and finishing pic.twitter.com/gm3YkdTCmT
— Steve Palazzolo (@StevePalazzolo_) August 28, 2026This unit has really discovered themselves the last two weeks. While last week the score didn't reflect it, tonight it did. They were treating the Patriots' defensive line like they were sleds, and the result was the run game was efficient and the quarterbacks had time.
Defensive Line: B-The run defense needs some work for the unit, but for being the second team, they should do okay in a rotation. They got after the quarterback well with three sacks and five pressures as well so the pass rush was there but the run defense was lacking.
Linebackers Grade: B+we'll take that thank youuu#NEvsCLE on @NFLonPrimepic.twitter.com/T8dDqriLHP
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 28, 2026The linebackers were zooming around all night and were even able to secure two interceptions on the night. The unit is going to need to show some depth in 2026, and seeing players like Justin Jefferson step up as rookies is a good sign of things.
Secondary Grade: CThe secondary forced some turnovers, but the lack of cornerback depth was showing early on. The Patriots scored early on a deep pass that showed the coverage was blown and the defender lost track of the ball. The team did claim Mekhi Blackmon off waivers, so that is some much-needed veteran help that is on the way.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Report Card Grades from the Browns preseason win over the Patriots
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