Johnny Football was subpar and frustrated in defeat while Hoyer struggled to keep the quarterback competition alive in Cleveland.
Johnny Manziel and Brian Hoyer did nothing to distinguish themselves in the battle for Cleveland Browns starting quarterback during Cleveland's 24-23 defeat against Washington at FedEx Field on Monday night. Tied at 17, Washington (2-0) pulled ahead for good with 2:01 remaining on a Colt McCoy 30-yard touchdown pass to Nick Williams.
Connor Shaw threw a 45-yard touchdown on a Hail Mary with time expiring to Emmanuel Ogbuehi, pulling the Browns within a point. However, Cleveland could not complete the two-point conversion, ending the game in dramatic fashion.
Hoyer started the game and completed only 2-of-6 passes for 16 yards while taking a sack. Hoyer left the contest in the second quarter in favor of Manziel, who fared no better. The former Heisman Trophy winner looked unsettled and tentative while playing the second and third quarters, hitting on 7-of-16 passes for 65 yards and a touchdown. Manziel was also sacked three times.
There was also this gem from Manziel during a frustrating third quarter:
Washington also had some fun with Manziel while throwing him to the turf:
Browns (0-2) head coach Mike Pettine had stated he wants to have a starting quarterback named by Cleveland's next preseason game, which comes Saturday at home against the St. Louis Rams.
Washington saw Robert Griffin play efficient football, going 6-of-8 for 112 yards with an interception serving as the lone blemish. Backup Kirk Cousins was solid, completing 12-of-21 throws for 145 yards with a touchdown and pick.
Free-agent acquisition Andre Roberts had a nice night for Washington, hauling in two passes for 54 yards.
Injuries
Browns receiver Travis Benjamin left the game in the third quarter and did not return after being hit hard during a route by Washington safety Bacarri Rambo. Benjamin walked off the field with assistance from a pair of trainers but did pass a concussion test on the sideline, per the Browns. The injury was ruled a rib ailment.