After initially overcoming a 17-7 halftime deficit, the Washington Football Team could not hold on to the lead in its 34-20 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon.
Three interceptions from Dwayne Haskins Jr. led to three touchdowns for the Browns, the last of which gave them an 11-point lead midway through the fourth quarter. Washington never got closer in its second defeat in three games to start the season.
"Disappointing," head coach Ron Rivera said of the turnovers. "That's one thing we can't do is turn the ball over and expect to win."
Haskins was exceptional in the first and third quarters. On the second offensive drive, he orchestrated a 8-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a 17-yard touchdown to Dontrelle Inman. And in the third period, he led two touchdown drives while completing 7 of his 11 passes for 71 yards. His second touchdown throw to Inman gave Washington a 20-17 advantage late in the third quarter.
Turnovers doomed Haskins on Sunday, though. His first interception set up Cleveland (2-1) inside Washington's 30-yard line, and it only took three plays for the Browns to score via a 16-yard scamper from running back Nick Chubb.
His second interception came even deeper in Washington territory, and the Browns extended their advantage a few plays later on a nine-yard touchdown reception from Kareem Hunt. After going ahead, 7-0, Washington faced a 17-7 deficit at the break.
"Just really trying to do too much," Haskins said of the interceptions. "Just trying to make a play or fit it into a window in scenarios where we're moved back, like 3rd-and-8 or 3rd-and-12 -- whatever the case and scenario may be -- and trying to get it all back. That's kind of what happened as far as those interceptions."
A dominant third quarter thrust Washington (1-2) back into the lead -- it outgained Cleveland, 107-28, over those 15 minutes -- but its advantage was short-lived. The Browns marched down the field to retake the lead, and after Haskins' third interception, a 16-yard touchdown from Chubb put the hosts ahead, 31-20. A late field goal pushed that lead to 14 points.
Washington bottled up the Browns' rushing attack initially, but the duo of Chubb and Hunt still combined for 154 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Chubb led all ball carriers with 19 carries for 108 yards and two scores.
As for Washington, Terry McLaurin led the pass-catchers with 83 receiving yards on four receptions, Inman scored his first two touchdowns of the year and rookie Antonio Gibson (nine carries for 49 yards) scored his second-career touchdown. Undrafted rookie Isaiah Wright also made an impact in place of Steven Sims Jr., who was hampered with a toe injury throughout the week and did not play much Sunday. On six targets, Wright made four catches for 24 yards.
Defensively, Jonathan Allen and Jon Bostic led the team with nine tackles (seven solo). Allen also recorded a sack, as did Montez Sweat, who also had four quarterback hits and two tackles for loss.
"He showed he's going to be a force to be reckoned with," Rivera said of Sweat.
Check out photos of the Washington Football Team during its Week 3 game against the Cleveland Browns. (Jimmy Longo/NFL and Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) reacts after a touchdown is scored during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Cam Sims (89) and wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (80) celebrate after a touchdown during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Cam Sims (89) and wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (80) celebrate after a touchdown during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) runs the ball during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (80) scores a touchdown in front of Cleveland Browns safety Andrew Sendejo (23) during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) runs the ball as Cleveland Browns safety Andrew Sendejo (23) tries to make a tackle during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (80) jumps up to catch the ball in front of Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) throws the ball during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (80) scores a touchdown in front of Cleveland Browns safety Andrew Sendejo (23) during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) looks to throw the ball during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) throws the ball during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) throws the ball during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Cleveland Browns linebacker B.J. Goodson (93) and Washington Football Team wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (80) during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) throws the ball during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team punter Tress Way (5) is seen during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (80) scores a touchdown in front of Cleveland Browns safety Karl Joseph (42) during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (80) scores a touchdown during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) looks to throw the ball during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team tight end Logan Thomas (82) is tackled during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (80) scores a touchdown during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (80) scores a touchdown in front of Cleveland Browns safety Karl Joseph (42) during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team tight end Logan Thomas (82) is tackled by Cleveland Browns safety Karl Joseph (42) during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (80) celebrates in the end zone during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) runs the ball during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team tight end Logan Thomas (82) is tackled by Cleveland Browns safety Karl Joseph (42) during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) runs the ball during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) runs the ball during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team tight end Logan Thomas (82) is tackled by Cleveland Browns safety Karl Joseph (42) during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) and quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) react during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team kicker Dustin Hopkins (3) in action during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) runs the ball during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) is tackled by safety Andrew Sendejo (23) during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) and quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) react during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team defensive end Montez Sweat (90) and inside linebacker Jon Bostic (53) during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team running back J.D. McKissic (41) runs the ball during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) reacts during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team defensive end Montez Sweat (90) and Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) in action during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) and Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) shake hands during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) reacts during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team defensive end Montez Sweat (90) and Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) in action during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) runs the ball during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) and Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) shake hands during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) runs the ball during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team defensive end Montez Sweat (90) and Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) in action during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) throws the ball during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team defensive end Montez Sweat (90) and Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) in action during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
The Cleveland Browns and Washington Football Team line up at the line of scrimmage during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) runs the ball as Washington Football Team defensive end Ryan Anderson (52) tries to make the tackle during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) runs the ball as Cleveland Browns cornerback Tavierre Thomas (20) tries to make a tackle during NFL football game against on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) on the field during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) throws the ball during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) throws the ball as Cleveland Browns defensive end Porter Gustin (97) tries to block the ball during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (80) scores a touchdown in front of Cleveland Browns safety Andrew Sendejo (23) during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Cleveland Browns wide receiver JoJo Natson (19) and Washington Football Team cornerback Ronald Darby (23) in action during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) reacts after a touchdown is scored during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Cleveland Browns wide receiver JoJo Natson (19) and Washington Football Team cornerback Ronald Darby (23) in action during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) huddle the team during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) runs the ball during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Cam Sims (89) and wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (80) celebrate after a touchdown during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Cam Sims (89) and wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (80) celebrate after a touchdown during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (80) scores a touchdown in front of Cleveland Browns safety Andrew Sendejo (23) during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) looks to throw the ball during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (80) jumps up to catch the ball in front of Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Isaiah Wright (83) runs the ball during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) throws the ball during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team running back J.D. McKissic (41) and Cleveland Browns linebacker B.J. Goodson (93) in action during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) throws the ball during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) runs the ball as Cleveland Browns safety Andrew Sendejo (23) tries to make a tackle during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Isaiah Wright (83) runs the ball during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team running back J.D. McKissic (41) and Cleveland Browns linebacker B.J. Goodson (93) in action during NFL football game on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) throws the ball during NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Despite the loss, Rivera liked some of the things he saw from Haskins and the rest of the young players. The turnovers are unacceptable, but there is plenty to build on with the 2020 season still in its early stages.
"This is a young football team that is learning and growing and is going to make mistakes," Rivera said, "and we're going to learn and grow with them."
