CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns opened Saturday's preseason matchup by matching the Buffalo Bills score for score. After that, the visitors controlled the afternoon.
The Bills scored 24 unanswered points after the opening quarter to defeat the Browns 31-7 at Huntington Bank Field, dropping Cleveland to 0-2 in the preseason.
After a weather delay paused the game early in the first quarter, Buffalo struck first on a one-yard touchdown run by Ray Davis to cap a 75-yard opening drive. Cleveland answered with an impressive possession of its own.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders converted a fourth-and-2 with a 16-yard completion to tight end Blake Whiteheart before finding wide receiver Luke Floriea for an eight-yard touchdown pass in the back of the end zone. The 11-play, 65-yard drive tied the game at 7-7 and showcased Sanders' poise during his second preseason appearance.
The Browns appeared ready to take their first lead midway through the second quarter after Sanders connected with Floriea for a 23-yard gain on third-and-15 and a defensive pass interference penalty moved Cleveland deep into Buffalo territory. The drive came to an abrupt end, however, when safety Damar Hamlin intercepted a tipped pass in the end zone.
Buffalo capitalized before halftime.
With less than two minutes remaining in the second quarter, Kyle Allen led a quick four-play, 62-yard drive that ended with a nine-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman Jr., giving the Bills a 14-7 lead they would never relinquish.
The Bills extended the advantage in the second half with a 52-yard field goal before turning a Browns turnover into the game's biggest play. After defensive back Te'Cory Couch intercepted Deshaun Watson late in the third quarter, Buffalo needed just two plays before Shane Buechele connected with Ja'Mori Maclin for a 71-yard touchdown that stretched the lead to 24-7.
Buechele later added a five-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to account for the final margin.
Sanders finished 9 of 11 passing for 74 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Floriea continued his strong preseason by leading Cleveland's receiving corps, while Watson played into the second half and threw an interception of his own.
Although the Browns remained winless through two preseason games, the coaching staff continued to gather valuable evaluations with roster decisions looming. Several young players again flashed potential, but turnovers and missed opportunities prevented Cleveland from keeping pace with a Buffalo team that capitalized on nearly every mistake.
What's Next: The Browns conclude the preseason Thursday night when they host the New England Patriots at Huntington Bank Field. The finale will be the final opportunity for many players to make their case before the roster is trimmed to 53 players.