Browns: Two Games, Two Bad Halves, And a Season Defined?

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Nov 5, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end

Carlos Dunlap

(96) pursues Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Second Of Two Games, Halves, And Losses

The same thing happened on Thursday night in Cincinnati. Despite some slight struggles early on stopping Bengals QB Andy Dalton and the Bengals passing attack, Manziel led the Browns offense on a 92 yard scoring drive just before halftime that put the Browns only down 14-10 going into the break.

With McCown out due to an injury he suffered in the Cardinals game on Sunday, it was vital for Manziel to come out strong and he did.

Offensive Coordinator John DiFilippo had him rolling out of the pocket, being mobile, and using his skills to move the offense. The defense stood its ground despite allowing three touchdowns to Bengals TE Tyler Eifert, and it seemed like there was a chance the Browns could pull out the win.

It looked like the Browns had a gameplan, and they had an effective plan to execute it. Then came halftime and another disappointing second half effort.

Once again for all of the momentum built-in the first half, including the end of the half scoring drive, Cleveland failed to build on their success. Instead, the Bengals came out and pitched a shut out in the second half, not even allowing the Browns offense a first down until the game’s final three minutes.