WATCH: Commanders Lead at Halftime vs. Browns After Sam Howell, Jacoby Brissett TDs
The Washington Commanders kicked off their preseason action with a road matchup against the Cleveland Browns on Friday night, and after a lengthy weather delay, are off to a strong start with a 14-2 lead at the break.
With both teams opting to play their starting quarterbacks, Sam Howell got a good look to start the game. The second-year signal-caller had an impressive showing in the first half, completing nine of 12 passes for 77 yards and a touchdown in his brief start. The highlight of his night came on a 26-yard strike to receiver Jahan Dotson for a touchdown.
Not to be outdone, former Browns quarterback Jacoby Brissett has looked solid against his former team. So far, Brissett has completed three of four passes for 53 yards, while adding 16 yards and a score on the ground.
Washington's ground game has looked solid as well, averaging over seven yards per carry. Sixth-round rookie Chris Rodriguez Jr. leads the team with 31 yards on three carries, while starting running back Brian Robinson has 16 yards on three attempts.
The offense's only major blunder came on its second drive. With the Commanders pinned back on their own five-yard line, offensive lineman Andrew Wylie took a holding penalty in the end zone that resulted in a safety, the Browns' lone points of the half.
After allowing 67 yards on Cleveland's first drive, Washington's defense has tightened up greatly. Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson had little going with just 12 yards on three completions on his only drive, while Joshua Dobbs hasn't had much success either with just 64 yards on seven completions. Third-year safety Darrick Forrest has a team-high four total tackles, while fourth-year defensive end James Smith-Williams has the Commanders' lone sack.
The Browns will get the ball to start the second half as the Commanders look to defend their two-score lead.
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