Josh McCown threw a touchdown pass in his debut for Cleveland and backup Johnny Manziel scrambled for a TD as the Browns, busting out new uniforms for the first time, built an early lead before losing 20-17 to Washington on Thursday night in their exhibition opener.
McCown, signed during the offseason to bring stability to Cleveland’s troublesome position, connected with Travis Benjamin on a 2-yard TD in the first quarter. Manziel ran 12 yards for a score in the second.
Washington’s Robert Griffin III went 4 of 8 passing for 36 yards during two possessions with the starters. Griffin would have thrown a TD pass, but wide receiver Pierre Garcon dropped a long toss.
Kirk Cousins rallied Washington, who trailed 14-3 in the second quarter. Cousins ran for a TD and went 12 of 14 for 154 yards.
The win was costly for Washington, which lost starting tight end Niles Paul and backup running back Silas Reed to serious leg injuries. Both players were carted off the field.
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source: Newsnet5.com