Nov 5, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) looks to pass in the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
It may have looked rocky at times, but the Cleveland Browns went into halftime of Thursday night’s game against the undefeated Cincinnati Bengals trailing just 14-10.
The Browns took momentum into the half after quarterback Johnny Manziel led the team on a 10-play, 92-yard touchdown drive, hitting Duke Johnson with a 12-yard touchdown pass just before the half.
Escapes the pocket, goes on the run and finds Duke Johnson PERFECTLY in stride.
— NFL (@NFL) November 6, 2015
Call him Johnny Touchdown. #CLEvsCIN https://t.co/mYavr77h4O
Manziel started slowly but looked better as the half went along (and possibly the excitement of starting wore off). He was 11-of-18 for 128 yards in the first half, and looked comfortable on designed roll outs. He was also helped out by Isaiah Crowell rushing nine times for 42 yards.
The game may have gone into the half tied if not for an untimely penalty on defensive lineman Randy Starks on a fourth-and-two from the Browns’ six-yard line. The Browns held the Bengals on the play, but Starks was flagged for being offsides, giving the Bengals a first down.
Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton made the Browns pay two plays later, hitting tight end Tyler Eifert with his second touchdown pass of the half.
The defense played reasonably well, holding the Bengals to just three-of-six on third down and just 3.9 yards per rush.
Here’s how Browns Twitter saw the first half.
Browns scheme continually puts its players in really poor positions.
— Brent Sobleski (@brentsobleski) November 6, 2015
Jim O'Neil makes baffling decisions as a coach. A DE on a WR on 3rd down? Cool story.
— DawgPoundNation.net (@DawgPoundNation) November 6, 2015
Too easy. Too easy. #Browns
— DC Browns Backers (@DCBrownsBackers) November 6, 2015
Naked bootleg is such a great look for Manziel. He is very comfortable in that role
— Pete Smith (@_PeteSmith_) November 6, 2015
Manziel just camped out calmly in the pocket for a full 6 seconds! Very good sign.
— Brian Billick (@CoachBillick) November 6, 2015
I get that mental mistakes get put on coaches but what the hell is Pettine supposed to do there? Lining up onside is Jr High type shit.
— Mark Skog (@MarkSkog) November 6, 2015
Justin Gilbert would be okay if the NFL eliminated illegal contact, pass interference, face masks and fumbles.
— Eric Knappenberger (@CavsWITNESS) November 6, 2015
Johnny to Duke will continue to work, I hope they don't go away from it. Plus Crow running well tonight, getting him in the flow! #GoBrowns
— Pumpkinhead 🎃 (@PumpkinNation) November 6, 2015
... Take a deep breath... I like what Johnny is doing tonight.
— Dawgs By Nature (@DawgsByNature) November 6, 2015
When we talked about Johnny Manziel we talked about a guy who likes to keep people talking and make football plays.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) November 6, 2015
Can't believe people who get paid to cover this sport are blaming McCown for Browns record... So stupid
— Jared Mueller (@JaredKMueller) November 6, 2015
The Bengals will get the ball to start the second half, meaning the Browns defense will have first shot at keeping the momentum going.