Tag: Commanders at Browns

Commanders’ Jacoby Brissett pleased with Friday night’s preseason debut

Jacoby Brissett pleased with Washington’s preseason opener, but realizes there is plenty of work to be done.

Jacoby Brissett was surprised Friday night in Cleveland.

He was not only observing quarterback Sam Howell but also his teammate from last season, Deshaun Watson. Following the game, Brissett was asked about what he noticed about Watson from last season.

“We obviously talk football a lot,” Brissett said. “I obviously talk to a lot of guys on the team as well, and they’re excited about how he looks compared to last year.”

“Coming out here watching him, I thought he looked really good compared to last preseason. … He looked very smooth, no hiccups and stuff like that, so I thought he did a good job.”

Washington led Cleveland 7-2 with 10:02 remaining in the first half when Brissett relieved the starter, Howell. The Browns fans cheered loudly for Brissett, welcoming him back to Cleveland where last season he started the 11 games when Watson was suspended. There was even a “welcome back” message displayed on the scoreboards.

“That was awesome,” he said. “Did not expect that. I really enjoyed my time here. A lot of the people, the players, the coaches, and the staff there, I have a lot of respect and love for that organization.”

For his time in Friday’s contest, Brissett completed 6 of his 10 passing attempts for 75 yards (7.5 yards per attempt). He did throw one interception and was sacked once, which brought his passer rating down to 43.8.

Brissett led a nice 8-play 89-yard drive in the second quarter, which concluded on a 2&10 when Brissett dropped back to pass, looked to his right and saw no defenders, so he easily jogged untouched for the 12-yard touchdown run, extending Washington’s lead to 14-2.

“I felt like we did a lot of good things, but obviously, there are a lot of things to clean up. I am sure we are going to do that when we get back.”

Last year Brissett was to fill in until Watson’s return. This season he is expected to prepare and be ready if and when called upon to spell Sam Howell. What will Brissett be doing in approach to this season?

“Just being the person that I am, day in and day out. No matter the circumstances, doing the things that got me to where I am today. Holding true to what I believe is the right thing to do. Going out there and putting my best foot forward.”

How was Sam Howell’s night for Commanders?

Overall, it was a good night for the young Washington quarterback.

Sam Howell had some really good moments Friday night in the preseason opener.

Howell started against the Browns in Cleveland and proceeded to complete 9 of his 12 passing attempts for 77 yards and a touchdown for a 119.1 passer rating.

Howell also carried once, gaining eight yards, on a play in which he displayed good feet. He was also sacked once for a loss of -8 yards and a holding call resulted in a safety for Cleveland’s two first-half points.

On Washington’s first possession, facing a 3rd and 6 at the 25 yard line, Howell was forced left but was swift enough, gaining 8 yards for the first down to the 33.

A sack losing eight yards and a holding call and Howell faced a 3rd & 30, resulting in a punt.

The second Commanders possession began deep in the hole at their own 5. Right tackle Andrew Wylie was guilty of holding in the end zone, resulting in a safety.

Howell’s third drive was a beauty, with 10 plays and 80 yards for a touchdown. Howell found Cole Turner for 7 yards, Terry McLaurin for 7 yards, and Turner again for 4 yards.

Perhaps his most significant play of the night was a 4th & 3 at the Browns 39. Why punt when it is preseason? Give your quarterback and offensive unit the opportunity to convert, meaning more offensive plays. Howell rolled right and found Turner for 13 yards to the Browns’ 26.

On the next play, Howell dropped back, looked left and connected with Dotson on the 26-yard touchdown.