There were many three-and-outs as the Bengals and Browns played back and forth for the first half of the 3^rd quarter. The wind played in the Bengals favor with a shanked punt by Browns punter Reggie Hodges, but the Bengals were unable to capitalize.

It wasn't until several back-and-forth possessions that Browns Josh Cribbs returned a punt for 60 yards, placing the Browns comfortably on the Bengals 30-yard line. As expected, the Browns put the ball in the hands of rookie running back Trent Richardson which resulted in a 5-yard gain. On the next snap, Vontaze Burfict made an excellent play and tipped Brandon Weeden's pass, resulting in an incompletion. Under pressure, Weeden attempted to convert the 3^rd down by rushing up the middle but falling short.

Kicker Phil Dawson was able to convert a 41-yard field goal, cutting into the Bengals lead with the score now at 14-10 in the 3^rd quarter.