Ravens Fall to the Browns, Lose Division Lead
The Baltimore Ravens fell to the Cleveland Browns on Saturday by a final of 13-3. The loss knocked the Ravens out of first place in the AFC north, making the last three games must wins if they hope to capture the AFC north crown.
It was another poor offensive showing by the Ravens who failed to score a single touchdown. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley was under center for the second straight week as Lamar Jackson continues to recover from his knee injury. Huntley struggled on Saturday against the Browns as he threw for a disappointing 138 yards and one interception.
The Ravens inability to convert on third down going 5-12, as well as going 0-3 on fourth down played a key part in the Ravens failing to reach the end zone and extend drives in crunch time.
The Ravens defense did what they could in trying to stop Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. Watson was held to 161 yards through the air and one touchdown. Watson was also sacked three times. The Ravens defense also did their best to contain one of the leagues best rushers, as they held Nick Chubb to 99 yards on the ground. The Ravens extended their streak to 22-games not allowing a 100-yard rusher.
Momentum shifted after Justin Tucker missed a 48-yard field goal before the half that would have tied the score at six. Tucker would also have a field goal blocked early in the fourth quarter that would have made the score 13-6. Tucker’s two misses on Saturday was his first two miss game since 2018.
While the run game has greatly improved over the last two weeks after the return of J.K. Dobbins. The pass game over the last month has been detrimental to not only this teams offensive success but the overall teams success. The Ravens defense has remained one of the leagues top defenses but the Ravens struggling to score has led to close games that force the defense to play near perfect week to week.
The Ravens had no receiver go over 50-yard with Mark Andrews leading the way with three catches for 31-yards. Lamar Jackson’s injury can be partially to blame for Saturday’s loss, but even before Jackson went down with his injury the offense was on a clear downward trend.
The Ravens must regroup and find an adjustment to get this Ravens offense going as they head home to battle the Atlanta Falcons on Christmas Eve. The Ravens have an opportunity to clinch a playoff birth next Saturday, but a win won’t be enough as they will need some help as well.
Injury Notes:
Calais Campbell (knee) Week-to-Week
Marcus Peters (calf) Week-to-Week
Game Notes:
Justin Tucker became the Ravens all-time leader in field goals made (355).
Running back J.K. Dobbins went for over 100-yards for the second straight week.
Linebacker Roquan Smith led all defenders with 11 tackles.
Safety Kyle Hamilton recorded his second sack of the season on Sunday.
Tight end Mark Andrews failed to get over 50-yards receiving for the second straight week.
