Buffalo began the second quarter on the move, and moved steadily into Cleveland territory in what was becoming a time-consuming drive. Ryan Fitzpatrick capped the drive with an 11-yard strike to David Nelson, and the Bills had the lead at 7-3, capping an 89-yard march down the field.
So Browns, how is that kick-a-field-goal-at-the-Buffalo-one-on-the-opening-drive working out for ya?
The Browns started after the kickoff at their own 19. A Hillis run started the drive, then Jake Delhomme hit Mohamed Massaquoi for 34 yards into Buffalo territory. After another Hillis run, Delhomme hit Brian Robiskie for another first down at the Buffalo 24. Mike Bell gave Cleveland another first down with a short run to the 13. The drive stalled at the eight, and Phil Dawson drew the Browns within 7-6 with a 25-yard field goal with 3:56 left in the half.
Buffalo immediately went to work again, driving quickly into Cleveland territory and reaching the 23 at the two-minute warning. The Bills got a first down at the eleven with just over a minute left before halftime, and Buffalo took a time out at the five with 36 seconds left. and then a penalty and a sack pushed the Bills back to the eleven. Buffalo took another time out with 22 seconds left, facing a third-and-ten. The drive stalled on an incompletion, but Ryan Lindell restored Buffalo’s lead to four at 10-6 with a 30-yard field goal.
With only 14 seconds left to work with, the Browns caught a break on the kickoff when Buffalo was penalized for 15 yards, giving Cleveland the ball at the Bills’ 45. Unfortunately, the Browns were unable to capitalize, with a Hail Mary pass batted down near the goal line, and the half ended with Buffalo on top, 10-6