CLEVELAND — The NFL regular season is now right around the corner with the preseason coming to a close this week ans the Cleveland Browns end the preseason 0-4 in a 21-7 loss Thursday night against the Chicago Bears.
Cleveland took an early lead in the first quarter but was unable to sustain such momentum down the stretch. They didn’t rely on big plays but the short passing game was on point. QB Robert Griffin III completed 4-of-8 passes for 53 yards in three series, most of which were quick and precise passes underneath coverage.
The passing game has been on display for the first three games of the preseason so coach Hue Jackson wanted to rely on the running game with Isaiah Crowell as he opened the game with back-to-back power runs which seemed to double as a tone-setter. Crowell finished the drive by plowing into the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown late in the first quarter.
Coach Jackson said that his offense needs to pick it up in the beginning. “I thought we started slow though. We have to start a little faster” coach said after the loss.
The Browns defense, which has been rather unimpressive so far this preseason, held the Bears to 127 first-half yards and watched several rookies shine on third-down situations. Emmanuel Ogbah and Joe Schobert each recorded sacks while defensive end Carl Nassib continued his impressive by batting down a pass at the line of scrimmage.
The second half didn’t have many highlights as the Browns defense gave up 167 yards, nine points and didn’t record any points on offense. This was the last chance for coach Jackson to take a look at his rookies and vets alike to see them try and prove that they deserve a spot on this team.
Now, the Browns turn their attention to trimming the roster to 53 members by Saturday at 4 p.m.
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