Quarterback Colt McCoy threw three touchdown passes - two to tight end Evan Moore - in the first half, but Cleveland blew a 15-point lead, losing 30-28 to Detroit in a penalty-filled exhibition.
McCoy finished 10 of 18 for 96 yards, his second straight solid performance running first-year Browns coach Pat Shurmur’s new West Coast offense. McCoy was victimized by a few drops but didn’t force any throws while playing most of the first half.
The Lions trailed by 10 entering the fourth, but got a 20-yard TD pass from Drew Stanton and Dave Rayner’s 48-yard field goal.
The officiating crew had a busy night: The teams were assessed 26 penalties for 211 yards.
Moore caught TDs of 2 and 21 yards, rookie Greg Little grabbed a 13-yarder from McCoy, and rookie Armond Smith had an 81-yard TD run in the third for the Browns.
Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford threw one TD pass to Nate Burleson. Stafford went 6 of 10 for 85 yards in four series.
McCoy, with four touchdowns passes in two preseason games, is doing everything he can to earn consideration as a legitimate QB2.