The Cleveland Browns have taken an early lead against the Houston Texans, with a score of 14-7 after the first quarter. The Browns' offensive strategy, featuring direct snaps to running backs, resulted in a first-drive touchdown by Jerome Ford. Amari Cooper's standout performance, with three receptions for 150 yards including a 75-yard touchdown, has been pivotal. The Texans' defense is compromised, with five starters out including Jonathan Greenard, Steven Nelson, and Jimmie Ward, all questionable to return, and Jerry Hughes being evaluated. The Texans have also been rotating quarterbacks. Despite these challenges, the Texans scored with Damien Pierce's 98-yard kickoff return, closing the gap to 14-7. The Browns' defense has shown strength, forcing punts and exerting pressure reminiscent of their early-season form.
Texans defense is going to have to do something to slow Cooper down...He has 3 catches for 150 yards in the first half...#Sarge
#Texans Damien Pierce takes the edge of Coop's 75 TD with 98-yard KOR to pull within 14-7 of #Browns with 11:51 left in half.
Needed that #Texans…
The Texans and Pierce needed that touchdown in the worst way...#Sarge
#Texans have 2 DBs questionable to return in Ward and Nelson, and have no answer for #Browns Cooper. Singled up with D'Angelo Ross, he catches 75-yard TD to make it 14-0. Has 150 yards early in 2nd.
Amari Cooper has 3 catches for 150 yards and a TD. Who does he think he is? George Pickens? Browns lead 14-0. With five defensive starters out, Texans have no prayer against Flacco and his passing game.
I knew it wouldn't be long before the Browns figured out that Nelson was not in the game...#Sarge
Browns getting some movement on the ground. Spreading the Texans out a bit?
Sad sight for Texans fans as Greenard, Ward, and Nelson remain on the sideline as the defense takes the field. #Sarge
Sad site for Texans fans as Greenard, Ward, and Nelson remain on the sideline as the defense takes the field. #Sarge
Browns hey off the field again on 3rd down. Texans are getting the ball out quickly. Tough to convert on 3rd and long when you are catching and throwing as a QB.
Browns at Texans instant analysis: Browns take lead into 2nd quarter over Texans https://t.co/FbuHHRPDt8 via @beaconjournal
First quarter ends with Browns leading 7-0. Texans have 43 yards. Keenum is 3 of 4 for 13 yards. Mills is 1 of 1 for 5 yards. Mills has 1 rush for no yards.
#Browns 7, #Texans 0 after 1Q
After one quarter, the Browns lead the Texans 7-0. This has been a very weird start to a football game. #Sarge
Let’s stop rotating the qbs, #WeAreTexans please and thank you.
Texans have lost DE Jonathan Greenard (ankle), CB Steven Nelson (foot) and S Jimmie Ward (quad). All are questionable. They don't have DE Will Anderson Jr. and LB Blake Cashman. That's five starters out.
#Texans premier pass rusher Greenard (12.5 sacks) is questionable to return to #Browns game with ankle injury suffered on the opening drive
Browns defense again forces a punt. DL is creating pressure. Looks like the DL from earlier this season. Positive signs.
Texans DE Jonathan Greenard is out of the blue tent and is now back on the bench. DE Jerry Hughes is now being evaluated. #Texans #Sarge #TexansWire
So Texans had a first down at their 49. Mills for no gain. Singletary for 1 yard. Keenum to Collins for a 3-yard loss. Punt! Browns lead 7-0.
Browns at Texans instant analysis: Big pass to Amari Cooper sets up Jerome Ford TD https://t.co/FbuHHRPDt8 via @beaconjournal
Browns on the board first after that TD run by Jerome Ford. Browns 7 Texans 0, 13:18 left in 1st quarter. 4 play, 59-yard drive in 1:42.
Ford takes direct snap, runs it in from the right side for TD. #Browns 7, #Texans 0 with 13:18 left in 1Q
#Browns have found something with the direct snap to RBs and pays off with first-drive TD run by Jerome Ford.