Something Borrowed, Something New for Redskins in Victory

The Washington Redskins opened their exhibition season Monday night with a new coach and some new quick pass plays and beat the Cleveland Browns, 41-12.

Mark Rypien, coming off a 9-7 season in which he threw more interceptions than touchdown passes, completed eight of 12 passes, including one for a touchdown, and gave the Redskins a 14-0 lead on their first two possessions.

Traditionally a drop-back passer, Rypien had little trouble with the new extra-back, quick-timing routes borrowed from the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers.

The plays were added by Richie Petitbon in his exhibition debut as head coach. What caught Petitbon’s eye was Mark Stock’s performance. Stock’s 51-yard punt return set up one touchdown. The 27-year-old had another return for 32 yards and a seven-yard touchdown catch with a Cleveland defender draped over his back.

“I’ve said this from Day One: The kid continues to make plays every chance he gets. There’s got to be more to it than luck,” Petitbon said.

Brian Mitchell, Robert Green and rookie Reggie Brooks each added touchdowns for the Redskins. Turnovers stopped the Browns’ last four drives.