Second-year quarterback Brandon Weeden moved Cleveland’s offense on two scoring drives against the Rams’ starters as the Browns jumped out to a 17-0 lead. The Rams were beat in all three phases of the game and a late TD by Rams’ reserves made the final score, 27-19, made the game appear closer than it really was.
AUDIO Jeff Fisher remains upbeat (2:00)
Game notes:
–Offensive tackle Roger Saffold left after the second play of the game after suffering a shoulder injury. X-rays were negative, but more tests will be done in St. Louis today. Saffold could miss a significant amount of time. Saffold moved from left tackle to right tackle with the signing of Jake Long. He started all 16 games as a rookie in 2010, but only played in nine games in 2011 and 10 in 2012 because of injuries.
–The Rams were moving the ball in the first quarter, which was encouraging, but running back Isiah Pead was stripped of the ball. A break down on defense led to a 30-yard gain for Cleveland in the first quarter and blown punt coverage led to a 91-yard touchdown.
–Sam Bradford was 5 of 8 for 102 yards, including a three-yard touchdown to Chris Givens. Projected starting running back Daryl Richardson gained 24 yards on four carries for a healthy six yards per carry average.
–Kicker Greg Zuerlein boomed field goals of 55 and 54 yards.