Cleveland Browns: 3 Players to watch in Preseason Week 3 vs. Eagles

CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 17: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns looks to pass while pursued by Julian Stanford #51 of the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter of a preseason game at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 17, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 17: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns looks to pass while pursued by Julian Stanford #51 of the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter of a preseason game at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 17, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks to pass against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field on September 11, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks to pass against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field on September 11, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

The Cleveland Browns head into their dress rehearsal versus the Philadelphia Eagles looking much improved. Here are three players to watch on Thursday night.

The Cleveland Browns’ run game looked much improved last week. In week one of the preseason, the Browns threw the ball all over the yard. In Week 2, the Browns ran the ball straight over the Buffalo Bills. Heading into Week 3, it is time for the Browns to integrate the ground and passing game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Week 3 of the preseason is the typical dress rehearsal game for the starters. It is also the game the coaches begin to put together a final depth chart. Expect the starters to play through the first half. Then the two’s will get an opportunity to state their case to make the roster. In all, Week 3 of the preseason is the closest to regular season football as the preseason gets.

There are a few players either on the roster bubble or riding the line between the first and second team. This week’s game will make all the difference between starting and running with the two’s. For others this week’s game is the difference between a roster spot and the unemployment line.

In particular, three players have a lot riding on Thursday night’s game. Baker Mayfield needs to state his final case to get a look with the first team. Jamie Collins needs a strong performance to hold off Mychal Kendricks. Finally, Devon Cajuste will have an opportunity to show that he is more than HBO’s Hard Knocks feel-good story. He has a chance to show he belongs on this team as a football player.