At half time, it’s clear the Browns defense made adjustments to stop the 49ers. The Browns offense is another story.
Without second-year running back Montario Hardesty, who is out due to a leg injury, the running game hasn’t been able to get going. Chris Ogbonnaya has carried the ball 10 times thus far for 30 yards.
The Browns controlled the ball for much of the quarter with their passing game, but don’t have anything to show for it. After impressive throws of more than 20 yards to tight ends Alex Smith and Ben Watson, Colt McCoy was intercepted in the end zone. The pass was intended for rookie wide receiver Greg Little but McCoy threw into double coverage, getting picked off by Dashon Goldson.
The Browns defense, namely tackle Phil Taylor and linebacker D’Qwell Jackson, have keep the Browns in the game, though San Francisco has the ball to start the fourth quarter.
Gore passed Roger Craig for second all-time in rushing yards with the 49ers, behind only Joe Perry’s 7,344 yards.