Quinn looks sharp, but Browns fall

The backup QB led Cleveland on two scoring drives against the Bears.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Brady Quinn looked better prepared for the season opener in case Derek Anderson isn’t ready, leading Cleveland on two scoring drives as the Browns closed their exhibition schedule with a 16-10 loss to the Chicago Bears on Thursday night.

Quinn finished 7-of-9 for 65 yards in his two series. The second-year quarterback, who would win a popularity contest over Anderson by a landslide, completed mostly short passes and seemed to make all the right reads while leading the Browns (0-4) to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter.

It was Quinn’s second straight start in place of Anderson, who has been out since sustaining a concussion 10 days ago against the New York Giants. The Browns have been extremely cautious with their Pro Bowl quarterback, who has yet to practice since he was sacked by Osi Umenyiora.

Browns coach Romeo Crennel expects Anderson, who was on the sideline in street clothes for the preseason finale, to be back Monday as the team continues getting ready for its Sept. 7 opener against Dallas. But if Anderson isn’t cleared to play, Quinn appears more ready to take his place.

Kyle Orton, recently picked by Bears coach Lovie Smith to start the season at quarterback over Rex Grossman, went 4-of-7 for 51 yards with one interception in two possessions as the Bears (1-3) avoided their first winless preseason since 1998.

Grossman was 5-of-7 for 59 yards and threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Rideau in the second quarter.

Robbie Gould kicked field goals of 48, 29 and 46 yards as Chicago overcame a 10-0 deficit.

The Browns had their first winless preseason since 1972, when they went 0-6. Cleveland, though, made the playoffs that season.

The Bears, who open the regular season against Indianapolis, rested four starters as defensive tackle Tommie Harris, safety Mike Brown, guard Terrence Metcalf and tight end Desmond Clark all got the night off.

Smith is counting on his defense to make up for Chicago’s offensive deficiencies, but Brian Urlacher and the first-team defense allowed Quinn and the Browns to move the ball with ease.

Quinn was critical of his 14-of-24 performance in a loss at Detroit last week. But against Chicago’s No. 1 defense he showed a nice touch on screens and underneath routes. He also rifled two slants to wide receiver Travis Wilson and lofted a 17-yarder over the middle to Steve Sanders for his longest completion.

The former Notre Dame star had one pass knocked down at the line, and his only major mistake was throwing behind a wide-open Kellen Winslow in the back of the end zone.

Crennel was hoping to avoid any more injuries, but the Browns lost wide receiver Syndric Steptoe to a shoulder injury on the opening kickoff and right guard Rex Hadnot went out with a knee injury in the first quarter. Both losses could be significant as Steptoe is handling kickoff and punt return duties while Cribbs is out, and Hadnot is filling in while Ryan Tucker recovers from hip surgery.