CLEVELAND, Ohio — The upcoming joint practices between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles aren’t just another training camp activity — they’re a defining moment that could reveal exactly what kind of team Cleveland has assembled for 2025. In the latest episode of Orange and Brown Talk, the hosts emphasized the critical importance of these sessions as a measuring stick for a franchise trying to distance itself from last season’s dismal performance.

“It is a great test all across the board for every aspect of this Cleveland Browns football team,” Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot declared on the podcast. “It’s going to be fantastic work. … I just think it’s going to be a great test for the Browns to see how they match up.”

The significance of these practices can’t be overstated. They represent the perfect opportunity to evaluate Cleveland against the gold standard — a team that’s reached football’s pinnacle. As Cabot pointedly asked, “I mean, think about this. It’s a three-win football team from last year going against the Super Bowl champions. Are the Browns going to look like a three-win football team from last year or are they going to rise to the occasion?”

What makes these joint practices particularly valuable is the quality of work that can be accomplished. Unlike preseason games where starters might play limited snaps, these controlled environments allow for extensive first-team work in specific situations.

“The thing that I would want to see is, it’s absolutely 100% tying to see some really good situational team football with Joe Flacco running the show and in two-minute drills and in the red zone and in move-the-ball periods against the No. 1 defense in the NFL from last year, the defense that helped the Eagles win a Super Bowl,” Cabot explained.

The trenches will be a particular focus, as Browns reporter Ashley Bastock highlighted: “I think for me it’s about the trenches because these are two teams that have really, when they found success, I think it’s been because of their lines on both sides of the ball. So I think this is going to be a great test for the Browns, but particularly we were talking about this amongst ourselves, these young Browns defenders like Mason Graham, obviously not on the line, but Carson Schwesinger, because you have a really good O-line in Philly.”

Philadelphia presents unique challenges with their physicality and talent. Host Dan Labbe described them as “a weird team” and “just so enormous across the board,” pointing to their imposing offensive line, dual-threat quarterback Jalen Hurts, elite skill position players like Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

The close relationship between the two organizations adds another layer of intrigue. As Cabot explained, the Eagles are essentially “their sister franchise in the NFC,” with numerous connections between the front offices, including Browns GM Andrew Berry’s previous stint in Philadelphia and his twin brother Adam currently working in the Eagles’ front office.

For Cleveland players like Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward, who have openly expressed Super Bowl aspirations, these practices offer a reality check. “How far are they going to be away from the Super Bowl championship?” Cabot asked. “I think they’re going to have a pretty good idea of what caliber of football team they are by the time they get home from this trip.”

Want to hear more about this critical matchup and what it means for the Browns’ 2025 outlook? Listen to the full episode of Orange and Brown Talk for expert analysis and insights from those closest to the team.

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