The Browns hold onto a 14-10 lead at halftime, as Tampa scores after intercepting Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme.
Browns cornerback Sheldon Brown knocks a pass away from Tampa Bay's Sammie Stroughter in the second quarter of Sunday's game at Raymond Jones Stadium.TAMPA, Fla. -- Halftime brought mixed results for the Browns as Tampa Bay cut Cleveland's lead to 14-10 at intermission, thanks to Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber's interception of Jake Delhomme with 26 seconds remaining in the half.
Barber snagged the pass of an off-balance Delhomme, and returned it 65 yards to the Browns 3-yard line. Tampa receiver Mike Williams hauled in Josh Freeman's pass one play later -- grabbing the ball that was tipped by Browns cornerback Sheldon Brown -- for the Buccaneers' first touchdown of the game.
Until then, the Browns' secondary had been helping control the game with strong plays by rookies T.J. Ward and Joe Haden, and an interception by safety Mike Adams.
The Browns offense showed signs of growth as its second touchdown of the game was a rushing one by running back Peyton Hillis -- something Cleveland didn't manage last year until the 13th game of the season. Running back Jerome Harrison, who has seen limited time Sunday, set up Hillis's score with a 39-yard run to the Tampa 10-yard line.
Phil Dawson attempted a 61-yard field goal to end the half, and the kick stopped about 7 yards short.