CLEVELAND—The Browns are halfway through getting their fourth consecutive win of the season as they lead the Jaguars, 13-3 at halftime.
Once again, Josh Cribbs has been an integral part of the scoring. He had a kickoff return and a run to set up both of Phil Dawson’s field goals and scored a rushing touchdown for the game’s only touchdown.
Dawson hit a 27-yard field goal with 10:57 to play on the first possession to make it 3-0.Cribbs had a 31-yard kickoff return out to the 46 to get the offense started.
Jerome Harrison carried the ball the first three downs and then Derek Anderson successfully converted the quarterback sneak for a first down on fourth-and-one to the Jaguars’ 44. Anderson hit Robert Royal for 29 yards to the 14. After stalling at the 10, Dawson hit the field goal. The Browns covered 44 yards on nine plays in 4:03.
The Jaguars tied the game at 3 with 2:20 to play in the first quarter on a 46-yard field goal by Josh Scobee. The score was set up by a short punt by Reggie Hodges and the Jaguars started t the Browns’ 41. The Jaguars only moved the ball 12 yards on the drive. An offside penalty on Robaire Smith and a couple of runs by Maurice Jones-Drew moved the Jaguars to the 29.
The Browns started on their 40 and decided to go for it for the second time on fourth-and-one from around midfield. The Jaguars jumped offside and the Browns had a first down.
Anderson hit Harrison on a short pass and then he tried to go down field to Mohamed Massaquoi and Derek Cox intercepted him at the 17.
The Browns took a 10-3 lead on 14-yard touchdown run by Josh Cribbs with 3:51 to play in the first half. After a three-and-out, the Browns started at their 43. Harrison had a 11-yard pick up on first down and then ripped off a 13-yard gain to the Jaguars’ 33 on the next play. Chris Jennings ran twice for a first down to the 20.
On third-and-4 from the 14, Cribbs ran up the middle from the Wildcat. The Browns went 57 yards on seven plays in 3:22.
The Browns increased their lead prior to halftime with a 21-yard field goal by Dawson to make it 13-3 with 1:44 to play.
Eric Wright intercepted David Garrard and returned it 19 yards to the Jaguars’ 34. On the second play, Cribbs ran an end around for 25 yards to the six. On second down, Anderson hit Evan Moore to the one. On third down, Rex Hadnot was flagged for illegal procedure and the ball was back to the six. Harrison carried for three yards and the Browns settled for the field goal. After Wright’s interception, the Browns moved 31 yards in six plays for the score.
The Jaguars moved to the Browns’ 20, but couldn’t stop the clock as time expired in the first half.
All-Purpose Cribbs: WR/KR Josh Cribbs needed 268 all-purpose yards to break the NFL record in that department held by Derrick Mason. Cribbs had three carries for 38 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown run in the first half. He had a 31-yard kickoff return and a three-yard punt return.
Sack Attack: LB Kaluka Maiava and LB Marcus Benard combined for he Browns only sack in the first half. DL Ahytba Rubin had four tackles to lead the Browns.
Jerome’s Finale: RB Jerome Harrison carried the ball 16 times in the first half for 56 yards, including 10 carries in the first quarter for 24 yards. He also was the leading receiver with two receptions for 20 yards.
What Happened to Corey?: DL Corey Williams was listed as the starter at LE in place of the injured Kenyon Coleman, but DL Brian Schaefering was on the field on the first play on defense. Williams was sitting on the bench and the trainers were looking at his knee. He did not play.
Wright Thief: CB Eric Wright intercepted QB David Garrard with 3:35 to play in the first half and he returned the interception 19 yards to the Jaguars’ 34. It set up a field goal for the Browns.
DA’s Day: QB Derek Anderson was 4-of-8 for 53 yards with one interception in the first half.
Sub-Zero Day: The wind chill was announced at negative one at kickoff. The temperature was 15 degrees.