Falcons win in Cleveland over RG III
CLEVELAND (AP) — Robert Griffin III gave the Cleveland Browns some hope with a strong home debut.
Griffin threw two touchdown passes in the first half in the Browns’ 24-13 exhibition loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night.
Griffin found wide receiver Terrelle Pryor streaking down the right sideline on Cleveland’s second drive of the game for a 50-yard scoring strike. Griffin connected with tight end Gary Barnridge for a 22-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter.
“Those were two great plays,” Griffin said. “TP running by a guy and making a play and Gary making an amazing catch. We were able to get things clicking a little bit working the long ball”
Griffin signed with the Browns (0-2) after being
Griffin signed with the Browns (0-2) after being released by Washington. He was 6 of 8 for 96 yards in four series, and ran for 36 yards on three carries — including a 22-yarder.
Devonta Freeman scored on a 19-yard run to cap Atlanta’s first drive. Matt Ryan played three series and completed 6 of 11 passes for 78 yards.
Atlanta (2-0) trailed 13-10 at halftime, but went ahead on Brandon Wilds’ 32-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. The Falcons gained 498 yards, including 224 on the ground.
“The real story was the line of scrimmage,” Atlanta coach Dan Quinn said. “For us to have the ability to run the ball like we did, that’s a real plus.”