The Cincinnati Bengals had their best possession of the afternoon, forcing the Cleveland Browns offense into a three-out-out thanks to a three-yard loss on a running back screen to Trent Richardson. Cincinnati starts the second possession in the third quarter from their own 35-yard line with over ten minutes remaining. Yet thanks to a holding call that put the Bengals behind schedule, and an ill-advised sack taken by Andy Dalton, the Bengals go three-and-out, punting the football back to Cleveland.
Kevin Huber exploded the punt 58 yards, compounded by an illegal block, the Browns start their ensuing possession from their own seven-yard line. Cleveland moves. Following consecutive runs to Richardson for nine yards, quarterback Brandon Weeden snaps a fastball over the middle to Alex Smith with Rey Maualuga within a whisper to the tight end. The 10-yard reception converts the first down. Again Cleveland's drive stalls, thanks to an Alex Mack offensive holding, forcing the Browns to punt.
Cincinnati takes the ensuing possession at their own 24-yard line, picking up a quick ten yards on snap pass to A.J. Green. But again the Bengals stall, following a minimal one-yard gain by BenJarvus Green-Ellis and a no-gain to Jermaine Gresham. D'Qwell Jackson throws an interception on a deflected pass at the Browns 47-yard line.
The Browns and Trent Richardson easily pushed the Cincinnati Bengals defense around, highlighted by a 23-yard touchdown reception by Trent Richardson, capping a 53-yard drive on five plays.