Jon Beason's interception return for a TD closes Browns lead to 21-20. Delhomme had two INTs in first three minutes of the third quarter.
View full sizeShaun Rogers and the Browns defense were trying to put plenty of pressure rookie Panthers quarterback Jimmy Clausen.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Observations, opinions and some facts on the third quarter:
• Sure to see a healthy dose of Peyton Hillis with 21-13 lead, right? Nope. Jake Delhomme throws on first down and is intercepted by a leaping Jon Beason.
• On third down, Jimmy Clausen can't see that Brandon LaFell was uncovered for, like, five seconds. Finally, Clausen throws it, but LaFell stepped out of bounds and then came back in. John Fox challenges the illegal touching penalty.
• Fox wins the challenge, but officials rule that LaFell did not maintain possession on the catch. It's ruled an incomplete pass.
• John Kasay's 46-yard field goal try is missed wide right. That was his first attempt toward the Dawg Pound end zone.
• Unbelievably, Delhomme comes out throwing again. On second down, Captain Munnerlyn jumps the route for the interception and returns it 37 yards for the touchdown.
• Clifton Smith replaces Josh Cribbs at kickoff return. Smith promptly fumbles on helmet-to-ball hit by Sherrod Martin. But Smith recovers at the Browns' 20.
• Handcuffs locked on Delhomme now. Peyton Hillis for 11 yards. Hillis for nine. Mike Bell for five. Left end Charles Johnson is creating havoc. His pressure in a three-man rush forces a Delhomme throwaway and Browns punt.
• Clausen makes a play, getting 16-yard gain on third-down pass to Mike Goodson to the Browns' 31. Panthers have to punt from their 40.
• Hillis goes over 100 yards with a 7-yard run.
• Every time Delhomme drops back now you can hear a discernible gasp. Another Browns punt. But Eric Norwood gets flagged for running into punter Reggie Hodges. First down at the Browns' 45.