Cleveland Browns vs. Atlanta Falcons - 3rd Quarter Game Thread

On the first play of the second quarter, backed up in their own end zone, QB Matt Ryan threw down the sideline and was picked off by CB Joe Haden. Despite the good field position, Cleveland could only respond with a field goal, but it gave them a 10-7 lead.

On the Falcons' next drive, DL Desmond Bryant came up with a fumble recovery after OLB Paul Kruger stripped Ryan. After QB Brian Hoyer missed an open WR Josh Gordon on a crossing route and then had a muffed snap, Cleveland had to settle for a 37-yard field goal attempt, which K Billy Cundiff put through the uprights again to take a 13-7 lead.

Atlanta moved the ball a little on their next drive, but eventually had to punt. With under six minutes to play in the first half, Cleveland was moving the ball very well. With under three minutes to play, though, Hoyer way underthrew TE Jim Dray on a crossing route and was intercepted by SS Kemal Ishmael, who returned the pick to near midfield. Ryan and the Falcons made Cleveland pay, driving down the field for a touchdown with under a minute to go -- a quick 8-yard pass to RB Jacquizz Rodgers to take a 14-13 lead.

Before the end of the half, Hoyer led a one-minute drill to get in range for a 60-yard field goal attempt by Cundiff. It was a terribly mismanaged drive that included pocketing timeouts, missing Gordon open deep, and then attempting the 60-yarder a second time instead of going for a Hail Mary, which almost resulted in a touchdown return for Devin Hester had it not been for a saving tackle by OL Joel Bitonio.

When you factor in the missed pick six by SS Donte Whitner and Hoyer's terrible interception in which he had his man open, Cleveland should be well ahead in this game. Instead, they trail at the half, but will get the ball first to begin the third quarter of play.

VS.

Game: Cleveland Browns vs. Atlanta Falcons
Date/Time: Sunday, November 23, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. ET
Local Television: WOIO (Channel 19) - Andrew Catalon, Steve Tasker, Steve Beuerlein
Local Radio: ESPN 850 WKNR, 92.3 The Fan, 98.5 FM WNCX