Cleveland Browns (live stream and scores here) will both be going for their first NFL 2015 Preseason game victory win on Thursday night, August 20, at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bills scored all 24 points in the middle two quarters and they held the football for better than 37 minutes.
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Despite McCown’s two interceptions in three series against the Bills, Pettine re-iterated that he’s firmly the one, and stressed that he’s comfortable with Johnny Manziel as the No. 2 and McCown as the No. 1. Even with that, Taylor engineered a few good drives and made plays with both his arm and his legs.
McCown did nothing to lock up the starting gig. He’s hoping his game can solidify his standing with his Cleveland teammates and perhaps quiet a suddenly renewed drumbeat of support for Manziel.
The X-rays came back negative according to the team and McCown downplayed the significance of having his finger wrapped up as he spoke with reporters. Manziel faced a ton of scrutiny this offseason, and for good reason, but he appears to have re-dedicated himself to the craft and looks much improved as a passer and decision maker.
As for Manziel, Pettine quickly pointed out there is a “pretty good dropoff” from the Bills starters to the backups, whom Manziel faced. Many like his style and his ability to not only pass but run.
“I’m not into guaranteeing or announcing a game one starter”, he said. He doesn’t want to give the Colts any edge.
“I’m not going to sit here and talk about trying to start up a quarterback controversy”.
“I am just happy to be out there and getting a lot of reps”, Manziel said. “I’m still going out trying to play my best and make an impression.”
RB Terrance West got the start and had 11 carries for 42 yards (3.8 YPC). He finished 9-for-14 with 111 yards.
At Notre Dame, Olsen started the final six games of his sophomore season at right guard, starting all 13 games at left guard as a junior, and then moving into the center position as a senior.
Taylor will have limited weapons when he plays in the first quarter against the Browns, and EJ Manuel will try to impress Buffalo’s coaching staff with a banged up roster, as well.
Safety Jordan Poyer was taken to the locker room to be evaluated for possible concussion and did not return. He briefly wandered into Buffalo’s offensive huddle before the Browns sent him for an evaluation.
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Manziel threw for 118 yards and a touchdown in Thursday’s loss, while McCown threw for only 57 yards with a pair of interceptions.
