Watch Terrance West celebrate like LeBron James
September 21, 2014Watch Johnny Manziel haul in a pass
September 21, 2014The Cleveland Browns put together an impressive 80-yard drive to take a 7-3 lead, but ended up giving up a nearly identical one to trail at the half 10-7. The Ravens had no issues running the ball against the Browns, but it was a blown coverage by Barkevious Mingo that allowed fullback Kyle Juszczyk to catch a 9-yard TD from Joe Flacco. It was an uneven half for both teams and as usual it will be a game of adjustments into the second half.
As for the halftime numbers, Baltimore led the Browns in first downs 12-8. The Ravens also took the time of possession battle by almost three minutes. Most worrisome for Browns fans, the Ravens led the Browns 90-27 in rushing yards. The Cleveland Browns defense gave up 81 yards on 11 carries to Lorenzo Taliaferro.
The Browns’ highlight of the first half was a trick play that ended up being called back. The Browns had Johnny Manziel hand the ball off to Isaiah Crowell, and after that play, Brian Hoyer came back on. Manziel was running off the field, but actually stayed on. Hoyer snapped the ball, threw to his left hitting Manziel ten yards downfield and Manziel ended up going for 39 before the Ravens pushed him out of bounds. The Browns were flagged on the play for illegal shift thanks to Terrance West not having been set when the ball was snapped. Later, Mike Pereira tweeted that it should have been a penalty on Manziel as well for setting up too close to his own sideline. Manziel was within five yards of his coach Kyle Shanahan.
Regardless of the trick play, the Cleveland Browns are going to have to play a more consistent game on both offense and defense in the second half if they want to beat the Ravens. The defense of the Ravens seems to be playing better than the Browns defense. This matchup between these two teams seems to be one that will be decided by defense. So far, neither has caused a turnover, but the Ravens adjusted well after giving up an 80-yard TD drive.