CLEVELAND: The NFL’s top two 2018 draft picks were on display as the Cleveland Browns defeated the New York Giants 20-10 in a preseason opener on Thursday night in East Rutherford, NJ.
No 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield replaced Browns starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor late in the first quarter and responded by connecting on 11 of 20 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns. The Heisman Trophy winner also converted two fourth-down plays with his own running plays.
Taylor, expected to be the starter, was a perfect 5-for-5 in his two series, throwing for 99 yards, including a 36-yard TD pass to David Noku.
Meanwhile, the Giants’ first pick and No 2 overall, running back Saquon Barkley rumbled 39 yards on the opening handoff from Eli Manning, setting up Aldrick Rosas’ 42-yard field goal. Barkley finished with 43 yards on four carries.
Andrew Luck returned to the field for the first times in 586 days, playing two series in Indianapolis’ 19-17 win at Seattle. Luck, who missed all of last season after having shoulder surgery, was 6 of 9 for 64 yards.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was 4 of 5 for 43 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Nick Vannett. Wilson, who played just one series, also had 14 rushing yards on two carries.
Adam Vinatieri, who will be 46 in December and is entering his 23rd NFL season, kicked three field goals for the Colts.
New Orleans scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including Jonathan Williams’ go-ahead 4-yard run, to rally past host Jacksonville 24-20.
Blake Bortles drove the Jaguars down the field to start the game, capping a 15-play, 79-yard drive with a 2-yard TD run. He converted both of his third-down passes and finished 6 of 9 for 53 yards.
Saints quarterback Drew Brees received the night off as Tom Savage started and completed 10 of 14 passes for 70 yards.
Landry Jones and Josh Dobbs tossed a touchdown apiece for visiting Pittsburgh, which played without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, wideout Antonio Brown and running back Le’Veon Bell, who still hasn’t signed his franchise tender.
Jones finished a perfect 4 of 4 for 83 yards, including a 71-yard TD pass to JuJu Smith-Schuster. Dobbs was 9 of 13 for 91 yards with a TD and a pick.
The defending champion Eagles rested several starters.