Weeden improves as Browns rout Packers
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Rookie Brandon Weeden completed 12-of-20 passes for 118 yards and the Cleveland Browns defeated the Green Bay Packers, 35-10, on Thursday at Lambeau Field.
Weeden bounced back from a lackluster preseason debut, in which the 22nd overall pick threw for 62 yards and an interception over three series in a win against the Lions.
On Thursday, the 28-year-old played the entire first half and departed with a 16-7 lead. He put the Browns in position for three Phil Dawson field goals -- of 53, 47, and 52 yards -- and also executed a 45-yard drive which resulted in Montario Hardesty's short touchdown plunge.
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Hardesty fumbled on the game's first play from scrimmage but finished with 45 yards on 12 carries. Brandon Jackson added 14 carries for 35 yards and a touchdown.
Colt McCoy was an efficient 4-of-6 for 58 yards in a backup role for Cleveland.
Aaron Rodgers threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson on the Packers' first drive and finished 6-of-11 for 59 yards in one quarter of action.
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Graham Harrell, who figures to replace the departed Matt Flynn as Rodgers' backup, struggled on Thursday.
The Texas Tech product completed 12-of-24 passes for 100 yards and two interceptions -- one of which was returned for an 38-yard touchdown by David Sims.
Harrell was also whistled for intentional grounding on the end zone, which resulted in a safety.
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Mason Crosby made a 42-yard field goal in the fourth quarter for the Packers and Jeff Wolfert responded with a 34-yarder to cap the scoring.