Browns fall to Bears in lackluster preseason finale

Jackson: Winless preseason doesn’t temper expectations

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

Time’s up for the Browns, who look as if they could use another preseason game — or two — this summer.

With the season opener against Philadelphia 10 days away, Cleveland played its offensive starters the entire first quarter, but only managed a short touchdown drive against Chicago’s backups in a 21-7 loss to the Bears on Thursday night.

Quarterback Robert Griffin III led Cleveland to its TD following a fumbled punt as the Browns’ starting offense ended the preseason on a positive note before getting ready to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept 11.

“The preseason is over,” said first-year coach Hue Jackson, who decided to play his starters after a dismal game in Tampa last week. “The season is here. Obviously, we would like to finish a little better.”

Ka’Deem Carey scored on a 1-yard run in the first half, rookie Jordan Howard had a 16-yard TD run and Robbie Gould kicked three field goals as the Bears (1-3) avoided a winless preseason.

Not the Browns, who ended a tumultuous few days with a performance that did little to excite their fans or provide much hope this season won’t be like so many previous ones.

In the closing minutes, Jackson pulled Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas and star cornerback Joe Haden close on the sideline and told them what he expected going forward.

“Because it’s time,” Jackson said, explaining the meeting. “The grind starts now, what it’s truly all about starts next Sunday in Philadelphia. I want them to understand it’s going to take work. It’s going to take their leadership, their ability to rally their teammates to do what we need to do. We’re going to Philadelphia and we expect to win the game.”

Isaiah Crowell had a 4-yard TD for the Browns (0-4), who left Griffin and the other offensive starters on the field for three series. RG3, attempting to revive his career in Cleveland after an ugly departure from Washington, went 4 of 8 for 31 yards.

Griffin’s night would have been over after the second possession, but the Bears fumbled a punt, giving Cleveland the ball at the Chicago 18.

Griffin threw two incompletions in the end zone before Crowell squirted in on third down to give the Browns a 7-3 lead. It took Cleveland six plays to cover the 18 yards.

“Now we’re able to focus on what we do best,” Griffin said. “It’s real. It’s about wins and losses now.”

Unlike Jackson, Bears coach John Fox rested his starters, allowing him to get a longer look at some of the players fighting for roster spots.

Brian Hoyer seems to have nailed down Chicago’s No. 2 QB job behind Jay Cutler. The former Browns starter finished his preseason with a solid night, going 12 of 16 for 112 yards.

GORDON’S FINALE

Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon had three catches for 29 yards in his final game before he begins serving a four-game drug suspension.

ROOKIE WATCH

Browns: WR Corey Coleman made his first catch of the preseason, but the No. 15 pick also dropped a pass on a crossing route that had the potential to be a big play.

POSITION BATTLES

Browns: WR Taylor Gabriel helped his chances of making the roster with a 37-yard punt return in the third quarter. He and Andrew Hawkins could be in trouble after the Browns drafted four wide receivers.