What we learned...
Domenik Hixon proved his worth: Hixon distinguished himself among a crowded but banged-up Giants receiving corps. The third-year player had 2 touchdown receptions and ran back a kickoff 82 yards for another score, all in the first quarter. He finished with 63 yards on 4 receptions.
Giants backup QB race unsettled : Starter Eli Manning made a solid start, completing 4 of 7 passes for 52 yards and 2 touchdowns. Manning exited in the first quarter with the Giants ahead 23-3. Backup Anthony Wright left the game with an apparent back injury after throwing 1 interception while David Carr struggled, finishing 7-of-14 for 53 yards.
Cleveland has some work to do: After scoring a quick field goal, the Browns' first team offense was overwhelmed by the Giants. QB Derek Anderson (4-of-10 for 20 yards) never looked comfortable and was taken to the locker room to be evaluated for concussion symptoms early in the second quarter. RB Jamal Lewis lost a fumble that James Butler ran back 94 yards for a TD and the Browns were flagged 10 times for 128 yards.
Syndric Steptoe's name fits: The promising young wideout was the bright spot in the Browns' offense. He had three receptions for 80 yards and 1 acrobatic touchdown. Return man Joshua Cribbs injured his ankle so Steptoe also assumed returning duties, running back a kickoff 90 yards to end the first quarter.
