In this year’s Hall of Fame game, the Cleveland Browns hosted the New York Jets. The crowd was a sea of orange and brown, as it was not a far trip for Cleveland fans. Even though most starters sat out, fans packed the stadium’s seats to near total capacity.
The essential reason fans were there was to honor this year’s Hall of Fame Class of 2023 inductees, including former Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas, Jets cornerback Darelle Revis and defensive lineman Joe Klecko. A football game was just an extra benefit to watch players compete for backend roster spots. Two standout performers showed out and impressed coaches, fans, and media members with their exhilarating performances. They also just happened to be teammates back in college.
Browns rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and third-year running back Demetric Felton took over in the 2nd half and did not look back. The first drive for the two was 11 plays and 93 yards, capped off with a 16-yard touchdown run by Demetric Felton. Felton’s vision was tremendous as he pressed the A-gap and had defenders committed, so he used his elusiveness and burst of acceleration to get to the edge and find the endzone. Though, you could forget about that touchdown happening if it wasn’t for Thompson-Robinson laying his body on the line and putting out a fantastic block to seal the edge for Felton.
Throughout the 2nd half, Thompson-Robinson displayed his sensational athleticism to extend plays downfield from his electrifying pump fake to his tight rope run on the sideline; he was a treat to watch and had the crowd roaring and echoing throughout the stadium. He exhibited his ability to put velocity on the ball when throwing to his receivers in tight windows, which is impressive with average arm strength. He stayed poised in the pocket and went through his progressions, but most importantly did not force the ball into traffic or take any sacks. He finished the night with an efficient stat line: 8-11 Completions, 118 Total Yards (36 rushing) and a 124.1 quarterback rating.
Demetric Felton had the best performance of his career on tape in the Hall of Fame Game. The stat line may not have eyes popping, but he was highly effective with the ball. He finished the night: 9 Touches, 55 Total Yards, 6.6 Yards Per Carry, 1 Touchdown. Felton’s terrific vision was displayed to fans all night with his ability to stick his foot in the ground and cut back upfield with a burst to hit the hole.
Football fanatics were awed by his quick-footed ability to force missed tackles throughout the night. His versatility was not used as much as years in the past as he would be on display as a gadget back, but the Browns could still use him that way as the preseason goes on. Felton looks to be on track to earning a roster spot after an efficient performance Thursday night.
Kristopher’s Right Down Euclid’s go-to intern as he begins his sports media career by studying at the University of Mount Union this fall. He’s been a lifelong fan of the Browns, Cavaliers, and Guardians and has dreamed of becoming a sports journalist since he was ten. Some of his recent stops include work with Phenom Media, and he runs @clecentral_ on Instagram.
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