Ravens Falter Down the Stretch in Loss to Browns

For just the third time this season the Ravens found themselves leaving the field after suffering a defeat, and for the third time it was a loss that was very much self inflicted. Just two plays into the game the Ravens grabbed a 7-0 lead on a Kyle Hamilton interception, the first interception and first touchdown of his young career.

A three and out by the Browns on their next offensive possession followed by a Keaton Mitchell 39-yard touchdown run on the Ravens first possession of the game, gave the Ravens a quick 14-0 lead early in the first quarter. The quick start was very reminiscent of just a few weeks ago against the Detroit Lions in which the Ravens got out to such a quick start grabbing all the momentum and holding onto it for a blowout victory. In the early going on Sunday it looked like this game was headed in a very similar direction for the Ravens.

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was just 6-for-20 passing in the first half, as the Ravens held onto what appeared to be a commanding 17-9 lead into the half. On the Ravens opening possession of the second half quarterback Lamar Jackson found Odell Beckham Jr. on a short slant that saw him break one tackle on his way to a 40-yard touchdown, his second touchdown in as many weeks, and his first from Jackson.

The Browns responded with a 17-play 75-yard drive that took just over 10 minutes, capped off by a hard three-yard run by running back Kareem Hunt. A successful two point conversion by the Browns cut the Ravens lead 24-17 with just over two minutes remaining in the third quarter.

With the momentum now swinging back in favor of the Browns the Ravens needed a spark. What was initially a Ravens three and out turned into a positive. Newly signed Browns receiver and return man, and former Ravens James Proche muffed the ensuing punt leading to a Ravens recovery down at the Browns 12 yard line to being the fourth quarter.

A seven-play penalty filled drive by both teams, was finally capped off by a Gus Edwards one-yard run his eight rushing touchdown of the season. However, on the Browns very next possession Watson would keep the Browns hopes alive. Watson led a quick six play 75-yard drive as he found his receiver Elijah Moore for a touchdown again cutting the Ravens lead 31-24 midway through the fourth quarter.

The Browns had been clawing their way back for most of the day, and with every shot and chance for the Browns to flip the game, the Ravens seemed to always answer back. But that would all change on the Ravens next offensive possession. After a two-yard run by Gus Edwards on first down, Jackson looked to pass on second down. The ball was batted in the air at the line of scrimmage by a Browns defender, and was intercepted by Browns and returned for a touchdown by Browns cornerback Greg Newson. Fortunately for the Ravens Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins missed the extra point, allowing the Ravens to continue to lead 31-30 midway through the fourth quarter.

With the momentum now on the Browns side, the Ravens needed a strong drive to try and put the game away for good. But after a six-play drive stalled at the Ravens 41 yard line they punted back to the Browns with just over five minutes to play.

Watson like he did most of the second half methodically moved the Browns down the field into field goal range. With just three second left a Hopkins field from 41-yards would split the uprights giving the Browns a 33-31 victory and dropping the Ravens to 7-3 on the year.

After a terrible first half Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson would complete every pass in the second half going 14-for-14 and finishing the day with 213 yards through the air. The Ravens also struggled to stop the run as they gave up 178 yards, with running back Jerome Ford rushing for 107 on 17 carries. Watson’s favorite target Amari Cooper also had a big day, especially after the injury to Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey. Cooper would haul in six passes for 98 yards.

Offensively the Ravens failed to rush the ball in the second half, the inability to sustain drives ended up being the determining factor as well as two very critical turnovers with one leading to a defensive score for the Browns. Jackson finished Sunday 13-for-23 for 223 yards, his worst completion percentage of the season. On the positive end rookie running back Keaton Mitchell once again flashed his talents even though he only touched the ball four times, while rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers went for over 70-yards receiving for the fourth time this season.

Despite the loss the Ravens remain in the first place in the AFC north, but both the Browns, Steelers, and Bengals are all within striking distance. The Ravens will now have a quick turnaround as they get set to face the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night at M&T Bank Stadium. The Bengals are coming off a loss to the Houston Texans also by a last second field goal, as they fell to 5-4 on the year. Thursday night is a pivotal matchup for both teams and a loss by either team could shape up to be season altering in the race in the AFC north.

Notable Injuries:

Marlon Humphrey (calf strain)- Day-to-Day

Ronnie Stanley (knee)- Day-to-Day

Trenton Simpson (concussion)- Protocol

Games Notes:

Linebacker Roquan Smith broke the Ravens record for most combined tackles in a game with 21.

Running back Keaton Mitchell became the first Raven to score his first two career rushing touchdowns on carries of 35 yards or more.

Wide receiver Zay Flowers tied Torrey Smith for most receptions by a Ravens rookie in a season with 50.

With one sack on Sunday, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike has now recorded at least a half sack in seven straight games.

Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. recorded his 58th career touchdown reception.