Cleveland quarterback throws touchdown pass

Quarterback Josh McCown threw a touchdown pass in his debut for Cleveland and backup Johnny Manziel scrambled for a TD as the Browns, busting out new uniforms for the first time, built an early lead before losing 20-17 to the Washington Redskins on Thursday night in their exhibition opener.

McCown, signed during the off season to bring stability to Cleveland’s troublesome position, connected with Travis Benjamin on a 2-yard TD in the first quarter. Manziel ran 12 yards for a score in the second.

Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III went 4 of 8 passing for 36 yards during two possessions with Washington’s starters. Griffin would have thrown a TD pass, but wide receiver Pierre Garcon dropped a long toss.

Kirk Cousins rallied the Redskins, who trailed 14-3 in the second quarter. Cousins ran for a TD and went 12 of 14 for 154 yards.