Eagles Tie with Browns in Preseason, Philly Hit with Multiple Injuries
The Philadelphia Eagles found themselves in another preseason game that came down to a wire against an AFC North foe during Thursday's bout with the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.
But neither side was able to end the game with an edge on the scoreboard, as the game ended in an 18-18 tie. Preseason games don't go into overtime.
In an almost unthinkable result, the Eagles had three players carted off during the game, as cornerback Zech McPhearson, receiver Tyrie Cleveland and defensive tackle Moro Ojomo all left with injuries that required extra attention. Additionally, rookie Nolan Smith and receiver Olamide Zaccheaus went back to the locker room with injuries but returned to the sidelines.
Regardless, many of Philly's other new and young additions still got a chance to shine in the team's second preseason game.
Rookie quarterback Tanner McKee had another solid showing. He gave the Eagles offense a spark in the second half before finishing 10 of 18 passing for 147 yards and one score.
"I think for me a little bit of my game, my job as a quarterback is to get the football into the playmaker’s hands," McKee told SI.com's Eagles Today. "They are a lot faster and can make guys miss and a lot of other things when they have the ball in their hands. I feel like my job is a distributor to be able to put the ball in their hands and let those guys go do what they do.”
Browns receiver Austin Watkins Jr. was the offensive star for Cleveland. He finished with seven catches for 139 yards and one touchdown. Rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson impressed as well, as he went 13 of 25 passing for 164 yards.
It was a struggle-filled first half on offense for both sides, but this was good news for the defenses. Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean forced a goal-line fumble on the game's opening drive, but the Browns took Kenneth Gainwell down in the end zone for a safety a few plays later.
After no touchdowns in the first half, Eagles running back Trey Sermon found the end zone on a 33-yard run just six plays into the third quarter. Philly took a 10-8 lead.
Watkins Jr. had a juggling touchdown catch soon after that to give the Browns the lead back at 15-10 with five minutes left in the third.
In the fourth quarter, McKee found tight end Brady Russell for a 22-yard score. An ensuing two-point conversion tied the game at 18-18 with six minutes left in the game.
But after Russell's touchdown, two offenses stalled in the closing stages of the game. Browns kicker Cade York missed two potential go-ahead field goals while the Eagles were unable to get into field-goal range on their final possession.
The Eagles will take on the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday, Aug. 24 for their final preseason game.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Philadelphia Eagles? Click Here.
Want even more Philadelphia Eagles news? Check out the SI.com team page here
