Cleveland vs. Houston: 4 2nd-Half Keys to Victory for Houston

An early Browns' turnover set up early points for the Texans and set the tone of the first half. What does Houston need to do to ensure it continues to play with such mellifluous harmony?

Here are four suggestions:

1. Don't Let Josh Cribbs Beat You

Houston's special teams looked like it learned its lesson after giving up a long Cribbs return that helped set up the Browns' first points of the game; the next time the Texans' punted, they seemed satisfied with a touchback. Cleveland brought a decimated run attack and a struggling quarterback into this contest, and so far McCoy appears to want a safety blanket. Keep tabs on Cribbs, take one more possible source of security away from Cleveland's offense.  

2. Get the Receivers Involved More

As good as Houston as looked, they've been mostly one-trick ponies on offense throughout the first 30 minutes. Without Andre Johnson, their offensive attack has looked, well, limited.  Schaub has weapons on the outside, even without Andre. Houston can't rely on Tate and Foster if they want to put this game away as soon as possible. 

3. Avoid Drive-Killing Penalties 

The Texans were able to move the ball with tremendous ease through most of the first half. When they weren't, it was mostly due to one silly mental mistake or another. Houston should be able to keep the first downs and the clock rolling in the second half as long as they keep the yellow hankies out of the refs' pockets. 

4. Mix in a Few Trick Plays

You can bet that the Browns will come out of the locker room having made the adjustments on the defensive side of the ball, so the Texans need to think one step ahead return to their arsenal of trick plays—mostly play actions and reverses—that have worked so well in recent weeks. Keep the Browns' defense honest, and don't allow them any wiggle room to get back into this game.