Browns’ Brady Quinn lackluster
DETROIT (AP) — Brady Quinn was lackluster in his first NFL start and the depleted Cleveland Browns were roughed up for the second time in a week.
Kevin Smith overcame a sluggish start with a 35-yard touchdown run and backup kicker Dave Rayner improved his chances of finding a job with four field goals, lifting the Detroit Lions to a 26-6 preseason win over Cleveland on Saturday.
Quinn was 14-of-24 for 106 yards without a score, turnover or a pass longer than 16 yards, playing in place of Derek Anderson.
The former Notre Dame star did not have much help, though, because receiver Braylon Edwards and running back Jamal Lewis were out with injuries and a banged-up defense didn’t slow Detroit down much.
Anderson left Monday night’s exhibition with a concussion. The New York Giants built a 30-3 early in the second quarter before Cleveland’s reserves rallied to make the final score close.
Detroit’s Jon Kitna was 9-of-11 for 98 yards, looking sharp for the third straight game, and Roy Williams had three receptions for 61 yards.
Smith was held to 10 yards on his first nine carries. Then the third-round pick took a handoff to the right, cut back and used his speed to get to the sideline, where he got a block from Dan Orlovsky to finish off a 35-yard run for a 13-0 lead early in the second quarter.
Orlovsky completed 13 of 20 passes for 167 yards with a score and an interception. Brian Calhoun’s 40-yard run set up Orlovsky’s TD pass to Brandon Middleton, giving the Lions a 26-6 lead late in the third quarter.