Taylor, Mayfield both impress in Browns' preseason opener

Tyrod Taylor was perfect Thursday night, while No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield also shined in the Cleveland Browns' preseason opener versus the New York Giants.

Taylor, acquired during the offseason in a trade with the Buffalo Bills, led the Browns at quarterback for two series and wrapped up his evening 5 of 5 for 99 yards and a touchdown.

The Browns had already declared Taylor their preferred choice to start before training camp commenced, and the 29-year-old did nothing in his debut to lose his stranglehold on the job. His top highlight came on a 36-yard touchdown pass up the seam to tight end David Njoku.

Tyrod Taylor finds David Njoku for 6.pic.twitter.com/d02a8sNBiy

- LeadingNFL a (@LeadingNFL) August 9, 2018

Mayfield also made a positive impression in his first outing. The rookie went 11 of 20 for 212 yards and two touchdowns and demonstrated his ability to scramble while keeping his eyes downfield several times. He made a couple of nice plays with his feet to pick up key first downs.

The 2017 Heisman Trophy winner played into the fourth quarter, where he hit fourth-round pick Antonio Callaway on a slant that went for a 54-yard touchdown. He was lifted for undrafted rookie Brogan Roback, who finished out the affair.

The Browns, who have earned just one regular-season victory over the past two years, beat the Giants 20-10 to begin their preseason slate.

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