Browns take full advantage of a poor showing by NFL newcomers Lawrence and Meyer

Jacksonville, Florida - In their first stint together in the NFL, a top-rated rookie quarterback and his first-time head coach got off to a lackluster start in the 2021 preseason.

Kyle Lauletta led the Browns with two touchdown passes in their win over the Jags on Saturday night.
Kyle Lauletta led the Browns with two touchdown passes in their win over the Jags on Saturday night.  © IMAGO / Icon SMI

The Jacksonville Jaguars couldn’t get it done at home, losing to the Cleveland Browns 23-13 in both teams’ first preseason game on Saturday.

The game was one of the more anticipated matchups this weekend that featured the number one overall pick in April’s draft, Clemson University’s Trevor Lawrence (21), in his first-ever NFL game.

It was also the first NFL game for new Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer, who is making the often difficult transition from the college ranks into the pros. In his first time out in the big leagues, things didn’t work out so well.

Lawrence was on the field for a short time, completing 6 of 9 pass attempts for 71 yards.

He was roughed up a little too, getting sacked twice for a total loss of 12 yards, along with fumbling the football once.

The Browns' starting quarterback Baker Mayfield was kept on the sidelines to save him for the regular season.

That opened the door for reserve quarterback Kyle Lauletta to take the reins, at least for one night. He had a great game going 19-for-27, 212 yards, and two touchdowns, helping his chances to earn a spot on Cleveland’s starting chart.

Cleveland’s defense also played well throughout the game, as they seemed to easily keep the Jags from scoring any points until the fourth quarter. They also got to Jacksonville’s passers four times, and snatched an interception just before the half.

Jacksonville’s backup quarterbacks CJ Beathard and Jake Luton each managed to throw a touchdown in the last quarter, at least keeping the Jags from getting shut out in their preseason opener.

The Browns will take on the Giants next Sunday. Next Monday, the Jaguars head to New Orleans to match up against the Saints.

Cover photo: IMAGO / Icon SMI

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