Cleveland Browns 35 – New York Giants 14

Browns Stomp Out Super Bowl Champions: The New York Giants were soundly beaten by the Cleveland Browns on Monday night 35-14.  The previously undefeated Giants fell to 4-1, but remain in sole possession of first place in the NFC East. It was an all-around poor effort by the Giants’ offense and defense.  The Giants’ offense turned the football over three times and was shut out in the second-half of the game.  Meanwhile, the Giants’ defense surrendered 454 yards of offense, including 310 passing and 144 rushing yards.  In fact, the Giants’ defense never forced a punt.

QB Eli Manning had his first poor game of the season, finishing 18-of-28 for 196 yards, 1 touchdown, and 3 interceptions, once of which was returned 94 yards for touchdown.

Each team only had the ball four times in the first half.  Cleveland’s four possessions resulted in a 28-yard field goal (9-play, 69-yard drive), missed field goal (11-play, 37-yard drive), a 4-yard touchdown run (3-play, 74-yard drive), and 22-yard touchdown pass (9-play, 77-yard drive).

New York’s four possessions resulted in an interception (7-play, 41-yard drive), 7-yard touchdown drive by HB Brandon Jacobs (6-play, 58-yard drive), a punt (6-play, 8-yard drive), and a 3-yard touchdown pass to WR Plaxico Burress (10-play, 80-yard drive).

At halftime, the Browns led 17-14.

The number and quality of the possessions for each team was even stranger in the second half.  The Giants only had the football four times in the second half and the Browns only had it three times.  The Giants only ran eight offensive plays in the third quarter.  On the very first offensive play of the second half, Manning was picked off, setting up the Browns’ offense at the Giants’ 46-yard line.  Six plays later, the Browns kicked a 26-yard field goal to take a 20-14 lead.

After picking up two first downs on their ensuing possession, the Giants punted. They never got the ball back until the fourth quarter as Cleveland initiated a 14-play, 87-yard, 8-minute drive that resulted in an 11-yard touchdown pass. Browns 27 – Giants 14.

With a full quarter to play and down by 13 points, the Giants drove to the Cleveland 9-yard line in nine plays.  However, on the tenth snap of the football, Manning was intercepted by CB Eric Wright who returned the football 94 yards for the touchdown to put the game effectively out of reach with just over eight minutes to play.  The successful 2-point conversion gave the Browns a 35-14 advantage.

The final Giants’ drive ended on downs after seven plays.  Cleveland – on their only possession of the fourth quarter – ran out the clock in seven plays and 27 yards.

Offensively, aside from Manning’s poor outing, HB Derrick Ward was the Giants’ leading rusher with 101 yards on 10 carries.  Jacobs added 67 yards on 14 carries.  WR Steve Smith was the leading receiver with 9 catches and 94 yards.  Burress, returning from suspension, only caught four passes for 58 yards.  WR Amani Toomer was shutout.

Defensively, the Giants could neither stop the run or rush the passer.  There were no sacks or forced turnovers.

Post-Game Notes: Inactive for the Giants were HB Danny Ware, WR Sinorice Moss, OT Adam Koets, DE Dave Tollefson, LB Jonathan Goff, CB Sam Madison, S Sammy Knight, and PK Lawrence Tynes.