Cleveland Browns halftime scribbles: Offense superb, Myles Garrett’s big sacks – Terry Pluto

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Scribbles in my notebook as the Cleveland Browns lead Dallas 31-14 in the first half.

1. This was the first time the Browns scored at least 28 points in the first half of a game since 1991. If that’s not enough, they have now scored at least 30 points in three consecutive games for the first time since 1968. It’s amazing what has happened in the last three games for rookie coach Kevin Stefanski and this offense.

2. Nick Chubb left the game with a knee problem late in the first quarter. He had 43 yards in six carries. The Browns’ top rusher in the first half? Not Kareem Hunt (5 carries, 36 yards). It was D’Ernest Johnson with 52 yards in five carries.

3. Dallas doesn’t have a good defense. That said, the Browns offensive line has been opening huge holes and dominating this game.

4. Myles Garrett had a great first half with two sacks. He had another strip sack to force a fumble. That was Garrett’s fifth sack of the season in 14 quarters. It also was the third time he’s forced a fumble with one of his sacks.

5. The Browns defense forced two fumbles in the first half, to demoralize Dallas as the half rolled along. That gives the Cleveland defense seven turnovers in the last six quarters.

6. The Browns got off to a great start in this game. In the first possession for Dallas, Garrett sacked Dak Prescott for an 11-yard loss. The Browns did force a punt, always encouraging against Dallas. The Browns put Garrett over Terence Steele, a right tackle who wasn’t starting this season. He’s playing because of injuries, and the Browns can target him with Garrett to help the pass rush.

7. When the Browns got the ball, Chubb had a 21-yard run. Then the play of the early season for Browns fans: Baker Mayfield handed the ball to Chubb, who flipped it to Jarvis Landry…then Landry heaved a perfect left-handed 37-yard TD pass to Odell Beckham Jr. It was so much fun to watch because the timing was perfect, the throw outstanding.

8. But after Dallas got the ball, the Cowboys sliced through the defense for a TD. The final play was a 41-yard pass from Prescott to CeeDee Lamb. It was a poorly defended job by the Browns, a blown coverage.

9. Mayfield had a strong first half, 14-of-23 passing for 132 yards. Mayfield threw exactly 23 times in each of the last two games. Beckham has caught a pair of TD passes, the first time he’s had two TD passes in a game since joining the Browns.

10. The Browns piled up 333 yards on offense in the first half. It’s been a powerhouse performance, the team looking sharp, prepared and well-coached.

Official Cleveland Browns sideline face coverings available from FOCO.com. (Photos via FOCO.com)

New Browns face masks for sale: Here’s where you can buy Cleveland Browns-themed face coverings for coronavirus protection for adults and youth, including a single mask ($14.99) and a 3-pack ($24.99). All NFL proceeds donated to CDC Foundation.

Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.