The Cleveland Browns closed the preseason with a dominant 37-13 win over the New England Patriots, powered by Dillon Gabriel’s three touchdown passes.
The Cleveland Browns wrapped up their preseason with a decisive 37-13 victory over the New England Patriots on August 28, 2026. Dillon Gabriel’s sharp three-touchdown performance and a fast start proved too much for a Patriots squad that struggled to generate offense, finishing the exhibition slate at 1-1-1.
Browns’ Offense Fires on All Cylinders
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel made a compelling case for a roster spot, completing 12-of-15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns. He connected with Luke Floriea twice (6 and 14 yards) and Ahmani Marshall (7 yards) for scores. Running back Taylen Green added 66 rushing yards on eight carries, while wide receiver Ben Patterson led all receivers with 71 yards on two catches. Kicker Andre Szmyt contributed field goals from 35 and 47 yards, helping the Browns build an early lead.
The Browns scored on their first three possessions, with two Gabriel touchdown passes and a field goal, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Head coach Todd Monken’s offense was efficient and aggressive, and the unit’s balance between pass and run kept the Patriots’ defense off balance throughout.
Patriots’ Offense Stalls
On the other side, the Patriots’ offense never found its rhythm. Quarterback Behren Morton struggled, completing 18-of-28 passes for just 123 yards and throwing two interceptions. The passing attack generated only 123 yards, a concerning sign as the team heads into the regular season. Running back Hassan Haskins led the ground game with 38 yards on 11 carries, while tight end Kyle Dixon was the top target with eight receptions for 71 yards.
The Patriots’ only touchdown came on a 45-yard strike from Tommy DeVito to Kyle Williams, a bright spot in an otherwise forgettable night. Kicker Andy Borregales added field goals from 26 and 33 yards, but the offense consistently stalled against a Browns defense that was led by linebacker Justin Jefferson’s 10 tackles and defensive lineman Coziah Izzard’s sack.
Turning Point: Early Browns Surge
The game’s decisive moment came in the first quarter when the Browns scored on their first three possessions. Gabriel’s two touchdown passes and a Szmyt field goal gave Cleveland a 17-0 lead before the Patriots could respond. The Patriots’ lone touchdown came late, but by then the Browns had established complete control.
This early surge put the Patriots in a deep hole, forcing them to abandon their game plan and play catch-up, which played into the Browns’ hands. The Browns’ defense, anchored by Jefferson, was able to pressure Morton and force turnovers, further compounding the Patriots’ struggles.
Injury Updates and Roster Decisions
Both teams are dealing with injury concerns as they move toward the regular season. The Patriots have ten players listed on the injury report, including Brenden Schooler and Harold Landry III (both Out). Questionable for the Patriots are Joe Royer, Elijah Chatman, Edefuan Ulofoshio, Carson Schwesinger, Michael Coats Jr., TreVeyon Henderson, Bryce Baringer, and Marcus Bryant. Punter Bryce Baringer’s status is particularly notable given his role.
The Browns also have several players listed as Questionable, including Joe Royer, Elijah Chatman, Edefuan Ulofoshio, Carson Schwesinger, Michael Coats Jr., TreVeyon Henderson, and Marcus Bryant. Brenden Schooler and Harold Landry III are Out. Additionally, the Browns released veteran wide receiver Cedric Tillman, a significant roster move as they finalize their 53-man squad.
What It Means
The Browns finish the preseason with a 1-2 record, but the performance of Gabriel and the starting offense provides optimism. Head coach Todd Monken faces a tough decision on whether to keep four quarterbacks, and Gabriel’s three-touchdown night strengthens his case. The team will now focus on roster cuts and preparing for the regular-season opener.
The Patriots, meanwhile, have more questions than answers. Their quarterback competition remains unsettled after Morton’s two-interception performance, and the injury list is lengthy. With the roster cutdown deadline approaching, the Patriots must make tough decisions on both the QB position and injured players. Their regular-season opener has not yet been announced, but the team will need to resolve these issues quickly.
Key Takeaways
- Dillon Gabriel threw for 186 yards and 3 TDs for the Browns.
- Behren Morton threw 2 INTs and managed just 123 passing yards for the Patriots.
- The Browns scored on their first three possessions to take control early.
- The Patriots’ only TD came on a 45-yard pass from Tommy DeVito to Kyle Williams.
- Both teams face roster cutdown decisions with multiple injuries to monitor.
🎧 Listen daily to both teams
Beatline Sports covers every team, every day — new episodes each morning.