WATCH: Martin Emerson Intercepts Trevor Lawrence

Trevor Lawrence dropped back to pass and sent a long pass up the middle of the field into the waiting arms of Cleveland Browns cornerback M.J. Emerson

After David Njoku took another Joe Flacco pass into the end zone for a score, the Jaguars offense came back onto the field needing points desperately.

Trailing 14-0, Jacksonville dialed up a play-action shot play intended for wide receiver Zay Jones. Jones streaked down the middle of the field and the pass would be about 15 yards too long. Roaming underneath it with open arms was corner M.J. Emerson.

.@MartyMargg1 ran his route to perfection 🤌#JAXvsCLE on CBS & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/ZDwZZxG91Q

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 10, 2023

Emerson made a diving catch and completed the interception, which gave the ball back to the Browns which got the offense back onto the field.

Cleveland's defense has appeared to return to its old form. The defensive line is causing havoc and the Browns secondary is all over the Jaguars wide receivers. 

This year at Cleveland Browns Stadium, the Browns' defense has been incredible. They give up only 175 total yards and just over 10 points per game. They surrender only 92 rushing yards and 110 passing yards to opponents per contest.

Through a quarter and a half, the Browns gave up just 57 passing yards and 31 rushing yards. They also got two sacks and made Lawrence very uncomfortable in the pocket. Emerson's interception was an exclamation point on a stellar first-half performance.

Cleveland Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) scores a touchdown during the second quarter of a preseason NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday, Aug. 12, 2022 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] Jacksonville Jaguars 2022 Cleveland Browns First Home Pre Season Scrimmage Second Scrimmage Preseason :: © Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK

The defense has kept Cleveland in the game to this point. While they have been playing great, Cleveland's offense turned the ball over on consecutive drives which set the Browns' defense up in tough situations.

They have been keeping the Browns in this game and midway through the second quarter Cleveland is up 14-7.

Emerson Strikes Again

The Browns' offense sputtered through the second quarter marred by turnovers and penalties. They moved the football but could not get out of their own way leading to a tug-of-war in the second frame.

After a punt, the Jaguars began their drive at their own 44-yard line. A couple of nice completions later the Jaguars found themselves near the red area threatening to score to tie the game up at 14. 

2nd pick of the day for @MartyMargg1‼️#JAXvsCLE on CBS & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/fbiWGLn9Ii

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 10, 2023

MJ Emerson had other ideas.

Trevor Lawrence dropped back to pass and he and Calvin Ridley were not on the same page. Ridley broke in on a slant while the ball flew behind him. Emerson laid out and made a perfect diving catch to end the possession and create another Jaguar turnover.

Emerson is having one of his best days as a pro. He has two interceptions, one pass breakup up and one tackle. 

Cleveland heads into halftime with a 14-7 lead.