Halftime: Browns 14, Colts 7

The Cleveland Browns lead the Indianapolis Colts, 14-7, as the teams head toward the locker room for halftime.


The story of the first half was Cleveland's defensive performance against Indianapolis' top-ranked scoring offense. The Browns limited the Colts to 22 total yards in the first quarter, frustrating quarterback Andrew Luck with an array of blitzes. The Colts punted on four of their first five possessions and their receivers have a combined two catches for 11 yards at the half.

The Browns generated so much pressure, Paul Kruger was able to force a Luck fumble in the end zone, where Craig Robertson hopped on the football for the touchdown with 40 seconds remaining in the first quarter.


After a Billy Cundiff 40-yard missed field goal midway through the second quarter, Luck and the Colts were able to establish a much-needed consistent string of plays. Luck capped off the six-play, 70-yard drive with an 11-yard scramble on third down.


Offensively, things weren't as smooth for the Browns. Quarterback Brian Hoyer struggled to get his unit in a rhythm, throwing a key interception in the end zone to former Brown Mike Adams. More than a few passes were off target. The Browns' rushing attack was more successful. Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West combined for 20 carries for 92 yards.


But just like Luck was able to, Hoyer generated something to build upon just before the half. The Browns marched 77 yards down the field in nine plays. Crowell sailed untouched into the end zone for a 9-yard touchdown and put the Browns up 14-7.


HALFTIME STATS
Browns
QB Brian Hoyer – 8/17, 99 yards, interception
RB Terrance West – 12 carries, 50 yards
RB Isaiah Crowell – 8 carries, 42 yards, touchdown
TE Jordan Cameron – 3 catches, 33 yards
LB Craig Robertson – 2 tackles, fumble recovery, touchdown
Colts
QB Andrew Luck – 9/22, 86 yards, fumble, rushing touchdown
RB Trent Richardson – 2 carries, 5 yards
RB Daniel Herron – 3 catches, 49 yards
WR – T.Y. Hilton – 1 catch, 9 yards