Browns struggle in loss to Rams

Akron Beacon Journal

CLEVELAND

Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer and the rest of the starting offense continued to struggle, but at least they finally found that unfamiliar place known as the end zone.

In Hoyer’s 12th series of the preseason, he and Andrew Hawkins connected for a 5-yard touchdown pass over the middle with 37 seconds left in the second quarter of the Browns’ 33-14 loss to the St. Louis Rams in their third exhibition game Saturday night at the newly renovated FirstEnergy Stadium.

Hawkins’ wide-open grab was the first-team offense’s first touchdown in roughly 4 1/2 quarters of preseason action. The drive started at the Rams’ 37-yard line thanks to undrafted rookie receiver Taylor Gabriel’s 68-yard kickoff return and it came against the Rams’ second-string defense.

As for the theory that Hoyer would perform much better after being named the starter over Johnny Manziel on Wednesday because a tremendous weight had been lifted from the North Olmsted native’s shoulders, it didn’t pan out the way the Browns hoped it would.

Hoyer played seven series, including two in the third quarter. He completed 10-of-16 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown with an interception. He posted a passer rating of 70.8.

“I think he’s had his moments, made some good throws,” Browns coach Mike Pettine said of Hoyer at halftime. “I think there are some plays that he’d want to have back. Missed a few reads, but, overall, I think he’s been solid.”

Still, the first-string offense’s four series before the touchdown didn’t inspire any confidence.

Rams starting quarterback Sam Bradford suffered an injury to his surgically repaired left knee during the opening possession and hobbled off the field flanked by athletic trainers.