Cleveland Browns offense struggles but lead at half 14-13

The Cleveland Browns are winning the Battle for Ohio at the half but their offense hasn’t been as good as they would like, thankfully the defense has made some big plays

The Cleveland Browns defense made the big play as they head to the intermission ahead 14-13 against their in-state rivals the Cincinnati Bengals.

On offense, the Browns have been stagnant as they managed just seven points on their own. That came on an impressive run by quarterback Baker Mayfield who took it in from seven yards out.

That score put the Browns up 14-13, and it helped him shake off two picks from earlier in the half.

The first was a fluke play as Nick Vigil took the ball away from tight end David Njoku as he fell to the ground while hauling in a pass. The next one was just a bad throw as Mayfield was too high on a pass for Khadarel Hodge.

Cleveland’s other score came courtesy of their defense as cornerback Denzel Ward picked off an errant pass from Andy Dalton and returned it 61-yards for the score.

It was a huge play for Ward who hasn’t played at the same level this season as he did during his rookie season in 2018 — when he made the Pro Bowl.

If there is anything to really be upset about, it’s the lack of touches for Nick Chubb. The team’s star running back has just three carries — as does Kareem Hunt.

Head coach Freddie Kitchens has been under fire this season and stats such as those are a reason why.

The Bengals started with the ball in the first quarter, so Cleveland will be receiving it in the second half.