Halftime: Texans 14, Browns 7
The Houston Texans lead the Cleveland Browns 14-7 as the teams head into the locker room.
For the most part, it's been a defensive struggle with lots of hard hits. There have been some miscues from both teams, too.
Houston got on the scoreboard early in the first quarter on a two-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ryan Mallett to defensive lineman J.J. Watt. The touchdown was Watt's fourth total on the season – the most ever by a defensive lineman since 1948. He also forced a fumble and sacked quarterback Brian Hoyer, which led to a Billy Cundiff missed field goal.
One glaring mistake by Watt is sticking out like a sore thumb. Midway through the second quarter Watt ran into punter Spencer Lanning, for a 15-yard roughing penalty. Four plays later Hoyer found wide receiver Andrew Hawkins on a crossing pattern for a 32-yard touchdown. Hoyer is 9-for-18, 162 yards passing, one touchdown and no interceptions.
Before the end of the half, Mallett added another touchdown – a 20 yarder to tight end Garrett Graham. Mallett looks like a veteran in his first-ever start: 10-of-16 for 132 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The drive was made possible after an Isaiah Crowell fumble.
Defensively for the Browns Joe Haden added an interception. Meanwhile, Karlos Dansby left the game with a knee injury and his return for the second half is questionable.
We will have much more after the game.
