Browns PFF Grades: How did the defense perform against the Philadelphia Eagles?

Reviewing the Browns best PFF defensive players against the Philadelphia Eagles in week 2 of preseason.

It was a very successful day for the Cleveland Browns’ defense in their second preseason game. Without the starters, many of the depth players were able to get meaningful reps against the reigning Super Bowl champions.

Against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Browns’ defense only surrendered one touchdown, which was set up by a Dillon Gabriel fumble at the Cleveland 31-yard line. Most of the Browns’ success came from a dominant performance by the defensive line. This was well represented in the defensive PFF grades from the game, which included five defensive linemen scoring in the top ten overall grades.

The Browns had four players with overall PFF grades of 80.0 or higher. Among them were projected starting defensive end Isaiah McGuire, with an 86.7, and linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, with an 84.3. Cleveland’s secondary was also represented thanks to the performance of strong safety Donovan McMillon, who earned an impressive 79.6 overall grade in his 37 snaps played.

Now, let’s take a look at the PFF top 10 overall graded players on the Browns’ defense against the Eagles:

CB Christian Holmes

Dec 24, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; Washington Commanders cornerback Christian Holmes (34) runs onto the field before the start of the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Overall grade: 87.0

Coverage grade: 85.9

DE Isaiah McGuire

Aug 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Isaiah McGuire (57) reacts after recording a sack against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Overall grade: 86.7

Run defense grade: 65.1

Pass rush grade: 81.4

LB Easton Mascarenas-Arnold

Aug 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Taylor Morin (45) is tackled by Cleveland Browns linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (42) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Overall grade: 86.7

Run defense grade: 65.1

Pass rush grade: 81.4

LB Jerome Baker

Cleveland Browns linebacker Jerome Baker participates in drills during an NFL practice at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.

Overall grade: 81.0

Run defense grade: 78.3

Coverage grade: 63.8

SS Donovan McMillon

Aug 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns safety Donovan McMillon (31) tackles Philadelphia Eagles running back Montrell Johnson (34) in the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Overall grade: 79.6

Run defense grade: 69.7

Coverage grade: 73.9

DT Jowonn Briggs

Jul 28, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Jowon Briggs (97) during training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Overall grade: 79.1

Run defense grade: 79.0

Pass rush grade: 58.5

DT Adin Huntington

Aug 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Adin Huntington (66) chases a ball carrier against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Overall grade: 78.1

Run defense grade: 60.3

Pass rush grade: 76.2

DT Shelby Harris

Nov 21, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) laughs with teammates during warm ups before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Overall grade: 78.1

Run defense grade: 62.2

Pass rush grade: 79.7

DE Julian Okwara

Jul 28, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns linebacker Julian Okwara (53) during training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Overall grade: 73.4

Run defense grade: 74.7

Pass rush grade: 60.5

CB Myles Harden

Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kobe Hudson (86) with the ball as Cleveland Browns cornerback Myles Harden (26) defends in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Overall grade: 73.1

Run defense grade: 69.3

Coverage grade: 68.6

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns PFF Grades: Reviewing the best defensive players vs. the Eagles

Category: Football