Browns vs. Jets score, takeaways: Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson shines as Cleveland wins Hall of Fame Game

Cleveland's young QB had a successful NFL debut

The 2023 NFL season kicked off on Thursday night when the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns faced off in the annual Hall of Fame Game. Cleveland, playing less than an hour from its home stadium, trailed 13-0 early before rallying to post a 21-16 win over the Jets, who played without the services of new starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. 

The game was a celebration of the past and a look to the future. The nine-member 2023 Hall of Fame induction class -- a group that includes former Browns offensive lineman Joe Thomas and former Jets defenders Darrelle Revis and Joe Klecko -- were celebrated throughout the night. The actual game featured several notable plays and performances from players who are hoping to make contributions to their clubs this season and beyond. 

Here's a look at the most notable moments from the NFL's first game of the 2023 season. 

Rookie QB shines in NFL debut

Thursday night was the first NFL game for Browns rookie fifth-round pick Dorian Thompson-Robinson. The former UCLA standout made several nice plays with his arm as well as his legs. He led the Browns on a 16-play, 93-yard drive that included a 14-yard completion to Mike Harley Jr. and a 15-yard run that set up Demetric Felton's touchdown run. 

Thompson-Robinson gave the Browns their first lead when he fired a 22-yard touchdown pass to Austin Watkins Jr. with fewer than 10 minutes remaining. 

Browns running backs impress

Cleveland appears to have two solid running backs behind Nick Chubb in Felton and John Kelly Jr. Kelly scored the Browns' first touchdown on a three-yard reception. Felton opened the second-half scoring with a nifty 16-yard touchdown run. 

Felton led both teams with 46 yards on seven carries. Kelly rumbled for 42 yards on 10 carries and also caught four of five targets for 27 yards. 

McDonald shows off his moves 

Jets' first-round pick Will McDonald IV displayed a wicked spin move that forced a Browns punt late in the third quarter. McDonald, who tallied 34 sacks during his time at Iowa State, has displayed "freakish" ability during his first NFL training camp, according to Jets head coach Robert Saleh. 

Wilson has early success

With Aaron Rodgers in street clothes, former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson led the Jets on their first three drives. He went 3 of 5 for 65 yards that included a 57-yard strike to Malik Taylor that set up the first of Greg Zuerlein's two first-quarter field goals. 

Browns dominate statistically 

While the final score was close, the Browns were the far superior team from a statistical standpoint. The Browns had a 23-9 edge on first downs and had 346 total yards to the Jets' 188. Cleveland was 7 of 13 on third down, while the Jets were a meager 2 of 12 on third down and were 0 of 2 on fourth down. 

The biggest difference between the two teams was on the ground. The Browns rumbled for 172 yards on 33 carries for a 5.2 yards-per-carry average. Conversely, the Jets picked up just 53 yards on 23 carries while averaging just 2.3 yards-per-carry. 

Both teams committed a slew of penalties. Cleveland was flagged 10 times for 103 yards. The Jets were penalized 12 times for 80 yards. 

Rodgers speaks

While he didn't play, Rodgers joined the NBC telecast during the third quarter of Thursday night's game. Rodgers spoke on a number of topics that included his optimism for the 2023 Jets. 

Check out our live blog below to re-live Thursday night's action in real time. 

[Aug 3, 2023 at 11:20 pm ET · Garrett Podell]

That's the ball game with Streveler tossing an interception. Nice comeback for Cleveland, they trailed 13-0 for most of the first half. Browns rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson is tonight's big winner. He totaled 119 yards (82 passing and 36 rushing) and a 22-yard touchdown pass. DTR should squarely be in the mix with Josh Dobbs to be Deshaun Watson's backup in 2023. 

[Aug 3, 2023 at 11:12 pm ET · Garrett Podell]

Following the defensive pass interference, the Jets are now just about 30 yards from the end zone. Two minutes should be plenty of time for New York to run their regular offense this close to the goal line. 

[Aug 3, 2023 at 11:10 pm ET · Garrett Podell]

It's go time for the Jets. Streveler hopes to lead Gang Green on a game-winning drive with two chances to stop the clock: the two-minute warning and their last timeout. They start in opponent territory on the Jets 45 with 2:33 left to play. 

[Aug 3, 2023 at 10:52 pm ET · Garrett Podell]

Dorian Thompson-Robinson has stolen the show tonight in Canton, Ohio! He hits second-year wideout Austin Watkins Jr. for a 22-yard touchdown, giving the Browns their first lead of the night, 21-16. He showed strong pocket presence, stepping up and unloading the football with ease. He has completed seven of his 10 passes for 75 yards and that touchdown. DTR has additionally scrambled for 29 yards on three carries as well. Cleveland kicking the ball back to New York with 9:33 left.

[Aug 3, 2023 at 10:43 pm ET · Garrett Podell]

The game has resumed and Chris Streveler is now in at quarterback for the Jets, replacing Boyle. He's gotten action in each of the last three seasons, two with the Cardinals in 2020 and 2021 plus last season with the Jets in two games, including his only career start in Week 16 last season. 

[Aug 3, 2023 at 10:29 pm ET · Garrett Podell]

The game is currently delayed with the stadium lights in the process of turning back on.