Written by Dennis Manoloff at Cleveland.com
Quarterback Cody Kessler went 28-of-40 for 223 yards and one touchdown in the Cleveland Browns’ 31-20 loss to the Washington Redskins on Sunday afternoon at FedExField in Landover, Md. Kessler was intercepted once and sacked once.
The Browns are 0-4; the Redskins, 2-2.
Here is a capsule look at Kessler’s day based on DVR review of the CBS Sports telecast:
Up and down: Late in the third quarter, Kessler was cruising as the game manager in charge of an offense helping to secure an upset.
Kessler had done numerous good things as the Browns established a 20-17 lead, and the Browns were driving potentially to go ahead by 10. On first-and-10 at the Washington 16, fullback Malcolm Johnson ran a basic play into the line…and fumbled. The Redskins recovered at the Washington 9.
Kessler and the Browns never were the same.
There is no guarantee, of course, that the Browns would have won if Johnson had not fumbled. But Johnson’s fumble changed the complexion of the game. The Redskins took full advantage of the gift by driving 91 yards for a touchdown to regain the advantage, 24-20.
Kessler still was in solid position, though. The Browns had second-and-2 at the 50 when Kessler handed off to Duke Johnson Jr., who gained 5 yards on the left side…and fumbled. The Redskins recovered at the Washington 43.
This time, the Cleveland defense forced a three-and-out, but the Redskins’ punt pinned the Browns at the Cleveland 2.
On second-and-2 from the Cleveland 10, Kessler attempted to connect with receiver Terrelle Pryor over the middle…and was intercepted by Josh Norman at the Cleveland 25.
The Redskins converted that turnover into another touchdown. The Redskins led, 31-20, with less than five minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Ball game.
Kessler’s final grade: B-
To continue reading this article, click here.
