The Houston Texans are clinging to a 17-10 halftime lead in Cleveland, but this game was almost tied up. What started as a total blowout with Houston jumping out to a 17-0 lead, turned into a nail-biter thanks to the Browns clawing back. But then, a crucial mistake at the end of the half left Cleveland down by seven.
Stroud Leads Early Houston Blitz, Collins Dominates
The Texans came out firing, putting up 17 unanswered points on their first three drives. C.J. Stroud looked sharp, connecting with Nico Collins for a 12-yard touchdown pass, then adding a 45-yard field goal, and later an 11-yard touchdown to Xavier Hutchinson. Stroud finished the half 15-of-19 for 190 yards, with those two touchdowns and one pick. Collins was an absolute beast, pulling in eight catches for 92 yards and that score. Seriously, he was electric.
Cleveland’s Fight Back: Watson’s Legs Make Noise
The Browns weren’t going down without a fight though, putting up 10 straight points to make it a one-score game. Andre Szmyt got them on the board with a 49-yard field goal. Then, Deshaun Watson ripped off a huge 65-yard gain to Jerry Jeudy before taking it in himself on a 6-yard touchdown run. Watson’s numbers are 8-of-15 for 126 yards passing, and he leads the team with 39 rushing yards on five carries, including that crucial touchdown.
Missed Opportunity Keeps Browns Behind
Despite the comeback, Cleveland couldn’t find the equalizer. After Tyson Campbell picked off Stroud late in the second quarter, the Browns had a golden chance to tie things up. Watson got the ball back, saw Jeudy running free down the left side, wide-open for what looked like a sure touchdown, but he overthrew him. No points. So instead of a tied game, the Browns head into the locker room still down by seven. The Texans get the ball to start the second half, which feels like a huge missed opportunity for Cleveland. They really needed those points.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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