Fields throws 3 TD passes in half, Bears edge Browns 21-20
CLEVELAND (AP) Justin Fields had a nightmarish visit to Cleveland as a rookie.
This one couldn't have gone much better.
Fields threw three touchdown passes in the first half, leading the Chicago Bears to a 21-20 win in their exhibition finale over the Browns, who got their first in-game look at substitute starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett on Saturday night.
Last season, Fields was sacked nine times - 4 1/2 by All-Pro Myles Garrett - and the Bears (3-0) were throttled by the Browns in a 26-6 blowout at FirstEnergy Stadium. Chicago was held to just 1 net yard in what was one of many rough outings for Fields.
''For sure,'' Fields said when asked if he reflected on that Sept. 26 matchup. ''I was of course thinking about that and glad 95 (Garrett) wasn't playing today.''
With the Browns resting Garrett, Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward and a few other first-teamers, Fields fired a 22-yard TD pass to tight end Ryan Griffin in the first quarter and then connected with receiver Dante Pettis and tight end Cole Kmet on scoring plays in the second.
Fields looked comfortable and composed while finishing 14 of 16 for 156 yards. He's in a new system under first-year coach Matt Ebeflus, and Fields said the performance by Chicago's starting offense could be a sign of things to come.
''Definitely a turning point,'' he said. ''We can build on it and next week we can get better.''
Cleveland's backups rallied in the second half with quarterback Josh Rosen's TD sneak pulling the Browns (1-2) within a point. However, Rosen's 2-point pass attempt to receiver Javon Wims was incomplete with 2:31 left.
This was Brissett's first preseason action for the Browns, who are hoping the 29-year-old veteran can keep them in contention until December while Deshaun Watson serves his 11-game NFL suspension.
Brissett had some positive moments - he didn't have running backs Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, or Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio - while playing six series.
He completed 13 of 23 passes for 109 yards with an interception, a decent performance but maybe not good enough to end speculation that the Browns will look for outside help before the season starts.
''I thought today was a step in the right direction,'' Brissett said. ''Obviously we've got more time coming up in the next two weeks. But today was definitely a good steppingstone, getting in and out of the huddle, calling plays, hearing it from (coach) Kevin (Stefanski). I thought today was good.''
Brissett is slated to play until at least December while Watson, who signed a $230 million contract with the Browns in March, serves his suspension for violating the league's person conduct policy.
Watson was accused of sexual misconduct and harassment by two dozen women during massage therapy appointments while with Houston. The three-time Pro Bowler begins his ban Tuesday.
Brissett's first pass was on target, but slipped through the hands of second-year wide receiver Anthony Schwartz, who had another drop and was booed loudly. He's been inconsistent all summer, but isn't in jeopardy of getting cut.
''We've talked about Anthony,'' Stefanski said. ''Anthony's spoken to you guys. He's very accountable. So I know he wants to be better. I know he will work very hard.''
SECOND HELPING
Browns backup QB Joshua Dobbs had another solid outing.
He threw a 6-yard TD pass to diving tight end Miller Forristall and followed it by leaping at the pylon for a 2-point conversion.
LEG UP
Browns rookie kicker Cade York put on a show in warmups, making field goals of 70 and 60 yards.
The fourth-round pick from LSU carried it over to the game, converting kicks of 57 and 46 yards while pushing a 58-yarder left.
''It really hasn't felt anything different since college, just going out there and kicking the ball,'' York said. ''I would have liked to see the one go through for the first kick. But other than that, I've gotten reps, gotten out there, gotten comfortable.''
RESTING REGULARS
Garrett and Ward were joined on Cleveland's sideline by defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, who was not in uniform after being excused from a practice earlier in the week.
Bears linebacker Roquan Smith was supposed to play, but was kept out after experiencing tightness during warmups. Smith missed Chicago's first two games while staging a contract ''hold in.''
Eberflus didn't specify the location of Smith's tightness and said keeping him out was ''a group decision.''
INJURIES
Bears: Bears DL Dominique Robinson (leg) got hurt in the second quarter and didn't return.
Browns: Stefanski is optimistic Pro Bowl RG Wyatt Teller (knee) and S Grant Delpit (hip) did not suffer serious injuries. They're likely to undergo further testing. Teller had a sleeve on his leg as he left the stadium. ... DE Chris Odom (leg) was carted off in the fourth. He was the USFL's Defensive Player of the Year.
UP NEXT
Bears: Host the San Francisco 49ers in the season opener on Sept. 11.
Browns: A reunion with former quarterback Baker Mayfield in the opener at Carolina on Sept. 11.
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Passing | CP/ATT | YDS | TD | INT | FPTS |
J. Fields
1 QB
25 FPTS
|
J. Fields | 14/16 | 156 | 3 | 0 | 25 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
N. Peterman
14 QB
2 FPTS
|
N. Peterman | 2/4 | 57 | 0 | 0 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
T. Siemian
15 QB
0 FPTS
|
T. Siemian | 5/8 | 54 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Rushing | ATT | YDS | TD | LG | FPTS |
D. Montgomery
32 RB
3 FPTS
|
D. Montgomery | 9 | 28 | 0 | 13 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
D. Evans
21 RB
3 FPTS
|
D. Evans | 4 | 18 | 0 | 11 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
K. Herbert
24 RB
5 FPTS
|
K. Herbert | 4 | 14 | 0 | 8 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Fields
1 QB
25 FPTS
|
J. Fields | 2 | 11 | 0 | 9 | 25 | ||||||||||||||||||||
D. Tuggle
30 RB
0 FPTS
|
D. Tuggle | 3 | 8 | 0 | 7 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
T. Siemian
15 QB
0 FPTS
|
T. Siemian | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
K. Shaa
81 WR
3 FPTS
|
K. Shaa | 1 | -1 | 0 | -1 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
N. Peterman
14 QB
2 FPTS
|
N. Peterman | 1 | -2 | 0 | -2 | 2 |
Receiving | TAR | REC | YDS | TD | LG | FPTS |
I. Coulter
82 WR
9 FPTS
|
I. Coulter | 3 | 3 | 61 | 0 | 37 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
D. Pettis
86 WR
12 FPTS
|
D. Pettis | 4 | 3 | 37 | 1 | 14 | 12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
C. Kmet
85 TE
12 FPTS
|
C. Kmet | 3 | 3 | 36 | 1 | 24 | 12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
K. Herbert
24 RB
5 FPTS
|
K. Herbert | 3 | 2 | 25 | 0 | 14 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
R. Griffin
84 TE
9 FPTS
|
R. Griffin | 1 | 1 | 22 | 1 | 22 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
K. Shaa
81 WR
3 FPTS
|
K. Shaa | 2 | 1 | 20 | 0 | 20 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
E. St. Brown
19 WR
2 FPTS
|
E. St. Brown | 2 | 1 | 18 | 0 | 18 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
D. Evans
21 RB
3 FPTS
|
D. Evans | 1 | 1 | 14 | 0 | 14 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
N. Webster
10 WR
1 FPTS
|
N. Webster | 3 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
C. Finke
17 WR
1 FPTS
|
C. Finke | 2 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
K. Blasingame
35 RB
1 FPTS
|
K. Blasingame | 1 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
D. Mooney
11 WR
1 FPTS
|
D. Mooney | 1 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
D. Montgomery
32 RB
3 FPTS
|
D. Montgomery | 1 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
J. O'Shaughnessy
80 TE
1 FPTS
|
J. O'Shaughnessy | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 1 |
Defense | T-A | SACK | INT | FF |
D. Harris
28 CB
|
D. Harris | 6-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
L. Jackson
23 CB
|
L. Jackson | 4-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
D. Cruikshank
29 DB
|
D. Cruikshank | 4-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
M. Adams
44 OLB
|
M. Adams | 3-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Alexander
16 DB
|
J. Alexander | 3-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
K. Vildor
22 CB
|
K. Vildor | 3-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
E. Hicks
37 SAF
|
E. Hicks | 3-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
G. Stroman
39 CB
|
G. Stroman | 3-1 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
K. Gordon
6 CB
|
K. Gordon | 3-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
D. Gates
47 LB
|
D. Gates | 3-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
A. Thomas
21 DB
|
A. Thomas | 3-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
S. Kamara
46 DE
|
S. Kamara | 3-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Sanborn
57 LB
|
J. Sanborn | 2-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
T. Gipson
99 DE
|
T. Gipson | 2-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Thomas
45 LB
|
J. Thomas | 2-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
M. Pennel
63 DT
|
M. Pennel | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
N. Morrow
53 LB
|
N. Morrow | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Jones
93 DT
|
J. Jones | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
C. Snowden
49 DE
|
C. Snowden | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
T. Coley
97 DT
|
T. Coley | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
A. Muhammad
55 DT
|
A. Muhammad | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
D. Houston-Carson
36 DB
|
D. Houston-Carson | 0-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
K. Tonga
95 DT
|
K. Tonga | 0-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
D. Shelley
20 CB
|
D. Shelley | 0-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
Kicking | FG | LG | XP | PTS |
C. Santos
2 K
3 FPTS
|
C. Santos | 0/1 | 0 | 3/3 | 3 |
Punting | NO | AVG | IN20 | LG |
T. Gill
16 P
|
T. Gill | 5 | 48.6 | 1 | 58 |
Kickoff Returns | NO | AVG | LG | TD |
K. Shaa
81 WR
3 FPTS
|
K. Shaa | 2 | 15.0 | 19 | 0 |
Punt Returns | NO | AVG | LG | TD |
D. Pettis 86 WR
12 FPTS
|
D. Pettis | 2 | 8.5 | 14 | 0 |
Passing | CP/ATT | YDS | TD | INT | FPTS |
J. Brissett
7 QB
2 FPTS
|
J. Brissett | 13/23 | 109 | 0 | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
J. Dobbs
15 QB
11 FPTS
|
J. Dobbs | 11/20 | 89 | 1 | 0 | 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
J. Rosen
19 QB
7 FPTS
|
J. Rosen | 4/6 | 42 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
Rushing | ATT | YDS | TD | LG | FPTS |
J. Kelly
41 RB
6 FPTS
|
J. Kelly | 13 | 31 | 0 | 9 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||
D. Johnson
30 RB
3 FPTS
|
D. Johnson | 7 | 29 | 0 | 9 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Rosen
19 QB
7 FPTS
|
J. Rosen | 3 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Stanton
40 RB
0 FPTS
|
J. Stanton | 3 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
D. Felton
25 RB
3 FPTS
|
D. Felton | 1 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Dobbs
15 QB
11 FPTS
|
J. Dobbs | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 11 |
Receiving | TAR | REC | YDS | TD | LG | FPTS |
J. Wims
16 WR
8 FPTS
|
J. Wims | 9 | 4 | 41 | 0 | 20 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
M. Harley
82 WR
6 FPTS
|
M. Harley | 3 | 3 | 38 | 0 | 19 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
D. Bell
18 WR
6 FPTS
|
D. Bell | 3 | 3 | 36 | 0 | 14 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
D. Njoku
85 TE
6 FPTS
|
D. Njoku | 4 | 3 | 34 | 0 | 20 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
J. Bradley
84 WR
4 FPTS
|
J. Bradley | 2 | 2 | 26 | 0 | 17 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
H. Bryant
88 TE
3 FPTS
|
H. Bryant | 2 | 2 | 15 | 0 | 11 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
D. Felton
25 RB
3 FPTS
|
D. Felton | 2 | 2 | 15 | 0 | 11 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
M. Forristall
86 TE
9 FPTS
|
M. Forristall | 6 | 2 | 13 | 1 | 7 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
J. Kelly
41 RB
6 FPTS
|
J. Kelly | 4 | 2 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
A. Schwartz
10 WR
1 FPTS
|
A. Schwartz | 6 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
D. Peoples-Jones
11 WR
1 FPTS
|
D. Peoples-Jones | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
N. Griffin-Stewart
89 TE
2 FPTS
|
N. Griffin-Stewart | 2 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
J. Stanton
40 RB
0 FPTS
|
J. Stanton | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
D. Johnson
30 RB
3 FPTS
|
D. Johnson | 1 | 1 | -3 | 0 | -3 | 3 |
Defense | T-A | SACK | INT | FF |
S. Jolly
49 DB
|
S. Jolly | 5-1 | 1.0 | 0 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Kunaszyk
51 ILB
|
J. Kunaszyk | 4-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
L. Hill
35 CB
|
L. Hill | 4-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Elliott
96 DT
|
J. Elliott | 4-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
I. Thomas
58 DE
|
I. Thomas | 3-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
T. Bryan
99 DT
|
T. Bryan | 3-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
H. Miller
29 CB
|
H. Miller | 2-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
G. Williams
26 CB
|
G. Williams | 2-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
T. Togiai
93 DT
|
T. Togiai | 2-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Phillips
50 LB
|
J. Phillips | 2-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Johnson
43 SS
|
J. Johnson | 1-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
S. Takitaki
44 LB
|
S. Takitaki | 1-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
T. Fields II
42 LB
|
T. Fields II | 1-3 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
R. LeCounte
39 SAF
|
R. LeCounte | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
R. Perry II
64 DT
|
R. Perry II | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
M. Emerson
23 CB
|
M. Emerson | 1-2 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Owusu-Koramoah
28 LB
|
J. Owusu-Koramoah | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
C. Weaver
59 DE
|
C. Weaver | 1-0 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
I. Rochell
98 DE
|
I. Rochell | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
D. Bell
37 DB
|
D. Bell | 0-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
P. Winfrey
97 DT
|
P. Winfrey | 0-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
A. Walker
5 MLB
|
A. Walker | 0-3 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
Kicking | FG | LG | XP | PTS |
C. York
3 K
6 FPTS
|
C. York | 2/3 | 57 | 0/0 | 6 |
Punting | NO | AVG | IN20 | LG |
C. Bojorquez
13 P
|
C. Bojorquez | 5 | 47.4 | 1 | 60 |
Kickoff Returns | NO | AVG | LG | TD |
J. Ford
34 RB
0 FPTS
|
J. Ford | 1 | 22.0 | 22 | 0 |
Punt Returns | NO | AVG | LG | TD |
E. Winston 18 WR
0 FPTS
|
E. Winston | 3 | 7.0 | 9 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
D. Felton 25 RB
3 FPTS
|
D. Felton | 1 | 9.0 | 9 | 0 |