NFL Jets batter Browns in injury-marred opener

Quarterback Josh McCown suffered a concussion Sunday as the Cleveland Browns lost their 11th straight season opener 31-10 to the New York Jets in an injury-marred game for both teams.

McCown's concussion came on the very first offensive play of the new season for the Browns, who fell to 27-26 all-time in NFL season openers.

Ryan Fitzpatrick threw two touchdowns and running back Chris Ivory rushed for two more scores for the Jets, who have won their last five openers to improve to 27-29 all-time.

The Browns also lost linebacker Scott Solomon (ankle) on their first defensive series at MetLife Stadium.

New York lost cornerback Antonio Cromartie to a left knee injury in the second quarter.

To top it off in the fourth quarter, rookie linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin had to be carted off the field on a spinal board with head and neck injuries after he was hit hard during a scramble for a loose ball. The Jets said Mauldin was taken to hospital to get checked out.

Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel was 13-of-24 for 182 yards and a 54-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Travis Benjamin. The former Heisman Trophy winner Manziel also threw an interception and had two fumbles.

Manziel came into the game when McCown was injured trying to score a touchdown that would have capped a 91-yard drive. McCown was knocked off his feet by safety Calvin Pryor and the ball was jarred loose during a mid-air collision with linebacker Demario Davis.
Source: AFP