Browns Drop Preseason Opener to Packers 17-11

The Cleveland Browns fell to the Green Bay Packers 17-11 on Friday night in the preseason opener for both teams.

There were a few highlights from the Browns, including a safety caused by hometown defensive tackle Jamie Meder, a 49-yard bomb from newly-named starting quarterback Robert Griffin III to Terrelle Pryor, and a 10-yard touchdown pass from rookie quarterback Cody Kessler to rookie wide receiver Rashard Higgins.

Unfortunately there was not much else to write home about, as the Browns offense was lethargic for most of the night and Griffin III made a few mistakes, including a fumble (which he recovered) and throwing an interception in the red zone.

Browns head coach Hue Jackson commented on his starting quarterback’s performance, saying, “He did (get into a rhythm), but at the same time, we can’t turn it over,” Jackson said. “We have to always be a team that takes care of the ball. It’s unfortunate, but we have to learn from it. Our team is fighting.”

Football fans got a chance to see something that doesn’t happen too often, three safeties in one game, as Kessler threw from out of bounds in the back of the end zone with less than ten minutes to play, and was later sacked in the end zone for another.

The good news is that it’s only the first preseason game. The Browns are back in action on Thursday, Aug. 18, hosting the Atlanta Falcons at First Energy Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.