In the first half, it’s either been a display of dominance by the San Francisco 49ers or futility by the Cleveland Browns. Whichever it is, the 49ers lead the Browns 17-3 at the half.
The Browns have only 93 yards on offense in the first half, with many of them coming in the last drive of the second quarter. That drive finished in a 51-yard field goal by Phil Dawson.
Conversely, the 49ers have 253 yards of offense, with 103 by running back Frank Gore. If not for a goal-line stand by the Browns to start the second quarter, San Francisco’s lead would be much greater than two scores.
Browns quarterback Colt McCoy is placing the ball nicely, completing eight of 14 first half passes for 69 yards. The team just refuses to work deep routes to Josh Cribbs and rookie Greg Little. That has allowed the 49ers to play closer to the line of scrimmage, where they’ve dominated the Browns running game. Chris Ogbonnaya leads the Browns with 11 rushing yards on five carries.
The Browns lost running back Montario Hardesty to a leg injury. His return is being classified as “possible.” Without Hardesty, Ogbonnaya is the only healthy running back on the Browns roster today. San Francisco defensive end Ray McDonald is questionable to return with a hamstring injury.
San Francisco gets the ball to start the second half.