Browns lose to the Packers in forgettable preseason opener

The Cleveland Browns turned in a rather forgettable performance Friday night in the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers.

So that wasn’t too pretty.

The Cleveland Browns took an early 2-0 lead over the Green Bay Packers Friday night, but ultimately lost by the final score of 17-11 in a game featuring three safeties.

The focus heading in was on the play of Robert Griffin III, and he did not disappoint, at least at the beginning of the game.

That first play from scrimmage could have easily been a touchdown if Griffin had thrown the ball a few yards farther, but the connection with Terrelle Pryor was the perfect way to start the year. The drive continued until Griffin threw an interception on an attempted touchdown pass to Gary Barnidge.

It is unfair to make definitive judgments on Griffin after the game, as it is clear there is still a lot of improvement to be had for the quarterback who hasn’t played in a regular season game since 2014. The opening pass to Pryor is something he and the rest of the offense can build upon as they prepare for the matchup with the Atlanta Falcons next Thursday.

Preseason games are often tough to watch once the starters exit, and that was true of this contest. Rookie quarterback Cody Kessler threw a touchdown on his first professional pass, but he also did this.

A safety in the preseason is not too big a deal, but the total lack of field awareness is rather alarming. He did not have much help as he did not play with the first-team offense, but that play is simply inexcusable. He was later sacked in the end zone to pick up his second safety of the day.

The defense held its own by only allowing 13 points, but that was without Aaron Rodgers in the game. Rookies Emmanuel Ogbah and Carl Nassib stood out and had solid starts to their professional careers.

This was not an ideal start to 2016 for the Browns, but it serves as a foundation to build upon when preparing for Thursday’s game at home against the Falcons. The only way to go now is up. Or so we hope.