Browns Vs Bills: 2nd Quarter Notes of Importance

The Cleveland Browns take on the Buffalo Bills today in a game that could have a big impact on the AFC Playoff Race. Both the Browns and the Bills are in the hunt for the Wild Card, while the Browns also are right in the AFC North race, where every team is 7 – 4 or better. Today’s game promises to be an interesting one.

Notes of Interest By Quarter: 1st Quarter

For Browns Vs Bills here are our 2nd Quarter Notes of Importance:

• With the Bills threatening inside the 10 yard line, Jim Leonhard intercepts Kyle Orton’s pass to Sammy Watkins.
  • Leonhard’s veteran experience pays off in the short field. Reads Orton’s eyes.
  • Browns ball at the 20 on touchback.
• Holding by Joe Thomas and a lazy drop by Josh Gordon backs Browns up to 2nd and 20.
  • Holding penalty on Bills gives Browns a first down.
  • Next play the Browns have a false start. 1st and 15.
• Brian Hoyer showing good accuracy to get Browns a first down near the 30 yard line.
  • Andrew Hawkins and Gordon with solid receptions.
• Out and up move by Miles Austin gets Browns over mid-field.
  • Gordon takes coverage and quick routes so far leads to open Austin.
• On 3rd and 10 Hoyer finds Jim Dray on a quick seam route for a first down.
  • Hoyer spreading the ball around better today than last week.
• Browns drive stalls. Settle for 37 yard field goal.
  • No running lanes today.
  • Field Goal is No Good! Wind impacted kick.
  • Browns 3 Bills 0
• Browns with a strong, quick 3 and out stop on Bills next possession.
  • Key play stopping Watkins just short of 1st down on 2nd down.
• Browns unable to get anything going either and go 3 and out.
  • Coverage sack on Hoyer ends the drive.
  • Punt to the 25 yard line.
  • Bills ball with 3:34 left in the half.
• Great coverage leads to a Desmond Bryant sack to end the Bills next drive.
  • Coverage has been good all day for the Browns.
• Punt gives Browns ball at the 24 with 1:46 to go.
  • Do Browns try to get into field goal range?
  • Bills get ball after halftime.

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• Browns come out throwing.
  • Incomplete pass to Andrew Hawkins. WR screen to Gordon and a forced almost interception starts the drive.
  • Interception by Hoyer on next pass. Looked like Gordon and Hoyer not on same page.
  • Bills ball with 1 minute left.
• Bills unable to get many yards on drive.
  • Attempt a 52 yard field goal.
  • Joe Haden blocks the kick.
  • Browns 3 Bills 0 at half.

Summary

Key play was Jim Leonhard’s interception. A touchdown there by the Bills would have been huge for the game. Browns unable to really get a ton of offense going. Billy Cundiff’s kick was impacted by the wind but should have still been made. The Browns blocked a very long kick at the end of the half. The Browns defense is looking great while the offense is struggling some. Not having Josh Gordon all year to work with Brian Hoyer has been problematic.