Following Cincinnati's 13-play drive that resulted in a chip-shot field goal by Mike Nugent, the Cleveland Browns began their first second half possession from their own 30-yard line. On second and seven, following a three-yard run by Peyton Hillis, Colt McCoy easily takes his drop, sets his feet and unleashes a fast ball to a wide-open Greg Little on a hitch route for a 15-yard gain.

McCoy throws a swing-pass out of the backfield to Hillis, who catches the football but is stood up by Thomas Howard where several Bengals intervene for the tackle and three-yard loss. Following an illegal formation foul on the Browns, along with an incomplete pass down the left sidelines to Joshua Cribbs, McCoy shuffles out of the pocket on a scramble up the middle for 20 yards and the first down.

Cleveland again would setup with a third down with eight yards needed for a first down from the Bengals 38-yard line. McCoy takes the shotgun snap, looks downfield with perfect protection and hits Jordan Norwood, but falls well short of the first down.

Phil Dawson converted the 54-yard field goal to retake a 10-point lead.