Washington holds off the Browns 24-23
When I was growing up I remember often hearing after a non-call in a game that a penalty could be called on every play from scrimmage so sometimes the refs would just have to let things go. Apparently, the new adage is a penalty could be called on every play, so call that penalty. Yellow flags littered the field to start the Monday night match-up between the Washington Redskins and the Cleveland Browns which really prevented the development of any sort of rhythm or flow to the game.
Of course the turnovers did little to help that as well. The Redskins were able to hold on in the final seconds of regulation stopping the Cleveland Browns two point conversion attempt for a 24-23 victory in what was really an exercise in inconsistency for both teams.
Robert Griffin, III’s impressive 23 yard strike to DeSean Jackson on Washington’s opening drive was immediately erased by a fumble on the next play when RG3 and Alfred Morris botched a toss sweep and the Browns recovered. Washington’s next drive would end in a turnover as well. RG3 picked up Cleveland’s inside blitz but failed to get enough zip on his intended pass to Jackson allowing Cleveland’s Joe Haden to jump the route and pick off the looping pass. A stop on the goal line ended the Redskins’ third drive and the night for RG3 with a turnover on downs.
Evan Royster scored on a two yard run with under 30 seconds to go in the half to give the Redskins their first score and the lead at 7-3.
After an impressive opening drive by Washington ended in a 14 yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins to Ryan Grant, the second half brought on more inconsistent play from both sides, although with fewer penalties. Cousins for the Redskins and the revolving door of Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel seemed to be content with having a competition to see who could throw the most poor passes. Balls were falling in the dirt and behind receivers all night, while the announcing duo of Mike Tirico and John Gruden reminded us all repeatedly that it was only preseason and there were several kinks that needed to be worked out.
(I always find it amusing how much leeway is given to the professionals during preseason, while their younger less experienced collegiate counterparts have to jump right into games that matter. But that is an irrelevant personal aside, please excuse me.)
The Browns would take the lead in the fourth on a Manziel touchdown pass to Dion Lewis and pick six off of third string Redskins’ quarterback Colt McCoy by Jim Leonhard. McCoy, to his credit, would shake off the interception and lead the Redskins on two scoring drives to put them back in the lead, with his 30 yard touchdown pass to Nick Williams proving to be the game winner.
The Take-Aways:
1.The Browns need to start Johnny Manziel. Sure, Manziel is neither ready physically nor mentally, as his finger waving proved, but Hoyer is not going to lead the Browns anywhere this year either. The Browns’ offensive line did a very good job in opening holes all game; unfortunately, it was for the Redskins to run through. The Browns will need Manziel’s mobility to stay anywhere close to relevant. The offense, as bad as it looked, was better with Manziel scrambling around. Bite the bullet and start the punk kid…they will not be winning either way.
2. No more excuses for RG3. Whether it was absorbing three senseless hits on a scramble instead of sliding or struggling to slide when he did attempt, or forgetting to properly plant his feet and follow through on his interceptions, the excuses about the injury have to stop. RG3 has been playing football long enough to have better mechanics and football sense. Anything less at this point is either stubbornness or stupidity but either way it leads to incredibly inconsistent and frustrating play. RG3 is clearly talented enough to be an elite quarterback in this league. He shows it several times a game with great running or on-a-rope strikes downfield. Yet, he continues to struggle with consistent play leading to foolish turnovers and unnecessary hits.
