Cleveland Browns studs and duds from 2019 preseason opener
By Dan Justik
Studs: First-team offense
Baker Mayfield and the Browns first-team offense only played one drive in the preseason opener, but they made the most of it. And they did so quickly. The Browns planned on making the only drive for the first-team offense a two-minute drill, and the unit made it look easy.
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The Browns started the game with the offense on the field, but they were not given any favors as the kickoff unit was penalized on the opening kickoff, putting the Browns offense at their own 11-yard line to start the drive. But that was not a problem, as the offense marched down the field and reached the endzone in 2:13 on seven plays.
Mayfield commanded the field and found the open receiver on every play, completing five of his six pass attempts for 77 yards and a touchdown. The 24-year-old quarterback delivered a dime over a defender with perfect touch to Rashard Higgins for a 24-yard touchdown to cap off the drive.
Mayfield attacked the middle of the field, where he found several of his receivers open. Four different receivers made a reception on the opening drive, with running back Dontrell Hilliard leading the way with two receptions for 28 yards.
The Browns only had one rushing attempt during the drive, with Nick Chubb picking up 12 yards on a draw. With the Washington defense getting upfield, Chubb was left with plenty of running room.
The Redskins may have only been in a basic defense, but how quickly and efficiently the Browns offense moved down the field was impressive. Mayfield was not forcing any throws and the receivers were turning upfield as soon as they made the reception.
It may have only been a drive, but the first-team offense lived up to the excitement surrounding them. And even without Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry playing, Cleveland was still able to move the ball right down the field.