Eagles Trail Browns at Halftime as Offenses Struggle

The Philadelphia Eagles offense failed to find a rhythm in the first half of Thursday's preseason matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

The Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns found themselves locked into an offensive strugglefest after one half of football in Thursday's preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field.

Led by rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who made a handful of impressive plays, the Browns led 8-3 headed into the locker room.

Philly was hit with some notable injures in the first half, as rookie pass rusher Nolan Smith, receiver Olamide Zaccheaus and cornerback Zech McPhearson all had ailments. McPhearson had to be carted off due to a lower body injury, as he was unable to put any weight on his leg.

The Browns got on the board early in unconventional fashion. After Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean forced a goal-line fumble on the first drive of the game, Philly was stuffed in the shadow of its own goal, as running back Kenneth Gainwell was tackled in the end zone for the safety.. Cleveland took the rare 2-0 lead.

While the Philly defense made some notable plays. Eagles quarterback Marcus Mariota struggled with inaccuracy and high throws in the first half, including one that was intercepted by Browns defensive back Ronnie Hickman Jr. Still, he managed to lead a scoring drive once Philly got the ball back, as kicker Jake Elliott nailed a 56-yard field goal.

But this was all the Eagles offense was able to muster through the first two quarters, while the Browns hit a pair of second-quarter field goals. Philly will receive the ball to begin the second half.

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You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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