After Taking An Early 13-Point Lead, Browns Use Momentum And Big Plays To Take Half-Time Lead

Cincinnati enjoyed about as good a start as you can imagine during their regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns. The Bengals first three offensive possessions resulted with 13 points; the second a result of a Andy Dalton love affair to Jermaine Gresham for a 22-yard pass that eventually setup a two-yard touchdown pass over the middle on third down. Cedric Benson has had some good runs, but the star of the rushing offense in the first quarter has to belong to Chris Pressley, who is literally wiping out defensive players anywhere near the point of attack.

Though the first quarter belonged to Cincinnati's defense, forcing two three-and-outs and three total punts, the Browns picked up momentum after Joshua Cribbs returned a 51-yard kickoff to Cleveland's 43-yard line with over 11 minutes remaining in the second quarter. After consecutive runs that picked up 12 yards, the Browns finally respond with a score of their own on a Colt McCoy 34-yard touchdown to tight end Benjamin Watson.

The Bengals would go three-and-out, giving the Browns the ball which eventually set up a third-and-seven from Cleveland's 13-yard line with 6:54 left in the second quarter. Michael Johnson missed a sure-tackle that led to McCoy picked up a first down. Several plays later Colt McCoy completed a 56-yard pass to Mohamed Massaquoi (busted coverage by Reggie Nelson) that setup an eventual two-yard touchdown reception by Evan Moore to give Cleveland a 14-13 lead.

Both teams would make last-ditch effort to score points before the end of the half, swapping punts to end the first half.