:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/9300759/152640456.jpg)
Facing what was deemed as an important game this early in the season, the Cleveland Browns could not overcome a big first quarter by the Buffalo Bills, falling by a final score of 24-14.
After the Browns went three-and-out to start the game, Ryan Fitzpatrick picked apart Cleveland's defense with ease. He capped the drive off with a 9-yard touchdown to a wide open T.J. Graham over the middle, putting Buffalo up 7-0. Cleveland went three-and-out again on their second possession, and Reggie Hodges' punt was returned 33 yards by Leodis McKelvin to set the Bills up with good field position near midfield. A few plays later, running back C.J. Spiller took a screen pass from Fitzpatrick 32 yards for another touchdown, giving the Bills a 14-0 advantage.
On Buffalo's next drive, Spiller was tackled hard on his shoulder and did not return. If he had remained in the game, things could have gotten way uglier than they already were for the orange and brown.
The Bills still ended up moving the ball with ease on their following possession, but Fitzpatrick fumbled (empty hand) in the red zone and the Browns recovered.
The Browns finally struck just before the two-minute warning to close out the first half. After a long drive with some good throws by Brandon Weeden, RB Trent Richardson bounced a carry to the outside for a 6-yard touchdown, making it a 14-7 Bills lead heading into the half.
The Bills tacked on a field goal to start off the third quarter, making it a 17-7 lead for Buffalo. Mid-way through the third quarter, Weeden strung together another nice drive that ended with a 22-yard connection to WR Travis Benjamin. That made it a 17-14 game heading into the fourth. It was a ballgame again.
Unfortunately, Cleveland's defense could not hold off Buffalo. The Bills led off the fourth quarter with a Fitzpatrick-to-Stevie Johnson touchdown. That gave Buffalo a 24-14 lead. After that, Cleveland's offense could not really muster anything else. Weeden knew he had to take more risks down two possessions, which is the reason he closed out the quarter with two interceptions. At 0-3, things are looking gloomy with Baltimore and the Giants coming up.