MORE: Follow the game live | Three-and-out, then trolled | Flips off Washington bench | Bloom: Johnny own worst enemy
On the second play of the possession, Manziel completed his first pass of the night, a swing pass to tight end MarQueis Gray that turned into a 17-yarder. Manziel sold a good pump-fake before the throw to Gray crossing to the right. It also was Cleveland’s first first down of the night. However, twice on the drive he failed to connect with Josh Gordon, once throwing it at his feet, then seeing Gordon drop one right in his hands. On third-and-18 from his 30, he was flushed to the roght sideline and threw it away — yet ended up with 20 yards and a first down at the 50 when the Redskins were called for defensive holding and a late hit.
MORE: Rookie QBs — start ’em or sit ’em? | Manziel admits limitations
His first designed run came on first-and-10 at Washington’s 38, but he was dragged down by Ryan Clark out of bounds for a 1-yard loss. On third-and-11, he and Gordon got crossed up, and his pass to the outside nearly was picked off by cornerback David Amerson. The Browns punted — but at least ended their string of three three-and-outs to start the game. Manziel was 2-for-7 for 29 yards and was sacked once with minus-1 yard rushing at that point.
