Cleveland Browns vs. Washington: Quick halftime reax

Aug 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) is tackled by Cleveland Browns defensive end Billy Winn (90) during the first quarter of preseason NFL football game at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns took a 14-13 lead into halftime of their opening preseason game against the Washington Redskins on Thursday night.

Josh McCown started the game at quarterback and looked very solid in his one offensive series. The 12-year veteran led the Browns on a nine-play, 75-yard scoring drive by going 5-for-5 for 33 yards. McCown also showed his athleticism as he moved around in the pocket to by time before hitting Travis Benjamin with a two-yard touchdown pass.

Once McCown’s night was complete, it was time for Johnny Manziel to make his 2015 debut.

Manziel looked like an actual NFL quarterback while completing six-of-eight passes for 40 yards. He looked more comfortable than when we last saw him late in the 2014 season, and scored a touchdown on a nice 12-yard run.

Overall, it wasn’t a bad first half from the Browns’ quarterbacks.

Unfortunately, we can’t say the same about the running game, which is supposed to be the primary focus of the offense this season.

Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell combined for just 16 yards on eight carries.

That also can’t be said for cornerback Justin Gilbert, at least early on, who got the starting nod so cornerback Joe Haden could have the night off.

Gilbert was burned early by Pierre Garcon, but was bailed out when Garcon dropped what was a sure touchdown. Following the play, safety Donte Whitner could be seen getting on Gilbert for the mix up.

Gilbert bounced back on a later Washington drive, twice showing his raw ability in covering fade routes on consecutive plays and forcing the Redskins to settle for a field goal.

Overall, the defense was up and down. They were active, especially when Robert Griffin III was in the game, and held Washington to just two-of-six on third down. But they had some problems once Kirk Cousins came in at quarterback, as he was six-of-eight for 90 yards and a four-yard touchdown run.

And after working so much to improve the run defense, the Browns allowed Washington to rush for 94 yards in the first half and gave up 212 yards of total offense.

Next: Browns Top 10 passing games all-time