Nancy Turner
Dec 10, 2023 - 10:05

Browns, Joe Flacco, defense revived: Terry Pluto's Halftime Scribbles

Browns lead Jaguars 14-7 at halftime with a sensational first half from Coach Stefanski and QB Joe Flacco.

At halftime, the Browns lead Jacksonville 14-7, and there's a lot to unpack from the first half.

First off, Coach Kevin Stefanski's play calling was sensational, particularly in the first series. The Browns went 75 yards in six plays, culminating in a 34-yard TD pass to David Njoku. Quarterback Joe Flacco completed all four of his passes on the first drive, including a pair of 8-yarders to Jerome Ford and a 14-yard pass to Cedric Tillman. The TD pass came on a third-and-1 situation, with the Browns surprising the Jags with their play call.

This is Flacco's second start for the Browns, and he seems to be adapting quickly to the game plan and the early scripted plays. Last week in L.A., the Browns went 75 yards in nine plays for a TD, with Flacco connecting with Ford for a 24-yard score.

The Browns' defense also made an impact in the first half, sacking Jags QB Trevor Lawrence on Jacksonville's first possession, something they failed to do in last week's loss to the Rams. Za'Darius Smith recorded the sack, bringing his season total to 3.5. This was the first sack by the Browns' defensive line in three games.

Special teams also had a standout moment in the first quarter, with Corey Bojorquez booming a 75-yard punt that was run back for only 3 yards, resulting in a whopping 72-yard net. Bojorquez is having a tremendous season for the Browns.

The Browns' second TD of the day came on a 4-play, 72-yard drive, with key plays including a 17-yard pass from Flacco to Amari Cooper and a 20-yard connection with Elijah Moore. The TD was a 30-yard pass to Njoku, who was wide open again.

Defensively, Martin Emerson Jr. had a sensational first half, breaking up a possible TD pass, making rugged tackles, and picking off a pass.

However, there were some setbacks for the Browns, with Flacco throwing an interception due to a timing play gone wrong, and Cooper losing the ball as he ran and switched hands, leading to a turnover on the Cleveland 12-yard line.

Overall, Flacco had a very good first half, going 17 of 28 passing for 192 yards and a pair of TDs, showing lots of poise as a veteran quarterback. Meanwhile, Lawrence struggled, throwing two interceptions and getting sacked twice, with an 11 of 22 passing for 100 yards.