Browns ignite Dawg Pound with another home upset

The Baltimore Ravens entered a tricky divisional contest in Cleveland with a 4-1 record, looking to extend its NFC North advantage over a Browns side that had slipped to 3-2 following last week’s defeat to the New York Jets. The Ravens were again without star quarterback Lamar Jackson, who missed his second consecutive game with an ankle injury, leaving Tyler Huntley to lead the offense after his overtime heroics against Atlanta. Meanwhile, Cleveland head coach Todd Monken faced his former team, with the Browns hoping their formidable defense could provide the platform for a bounce-back performance.

Baltimore wasted little time taking control of the game, opening the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown pass from Huntley to an unlikely source in tight end Josh Cuevas. The short connection capped off a productive opening drive for the Ravens, who looked comfortable moving the ball despite Jackson’s absence.

The visitors continued to apply pressure, adding a 34-yard field goal from Tyler Loop to extend their advantage to 10 points in the first quarter. Cleveland’s offense struggled to respond immediately, with Baltimore’s defense limiting the Browns’ opportunities to establish any sort of rhythm.

For Huntley, the early points provided valuable breathing room as he continued his spell filling in for Jackson. Having guided Baltimore to an inspirational victory in overtime the previous week, the backup quarterback again demonstrated his ability to manage the offense in a challenging divisional environment.

However, Cleveland’s defense gradually began to make life more difficult for the Ravens, preventing the early deficit from growing and giving the home side an opportunity to work its way back into the contest.

The Browns’ response began with a defensive stand that helped shift the momentum. After being held scoreless through the opening half, Cleveland finally got on the board in the third quarter through Andre Szmyt, who converted a 48-yard field goal to reduce the deficit to 10-3.

Although the Browns still faced a 7-point disadvantage, the kick offered a much-needed reward for their efforts and gave the home crowd reason to believe a comeback remained possible.

Cleveland’s defense continued to play a crucial role, keeping Baltimore’s offense from adding to its first quarter total, thanks in part to a miss by Loop. The Ravens had entered the matchup with an impressive offensive record, but without Jackson, the Browns’ resistance ensured that their early advantage remained vulnerable.

With the contest becoming a war of attrition and field position, Cleveland needed to capitalise on its next opportunity to put genuine pressure on the visitors. That opportunity arrived in the fourth quarter, when the Browns finally found the end zone. Running back Audric Estime powered into the end zone from 2 yards out, finishing a scoring drive that brought them level at 10 apiece after Szmyt’s extra point.

After forcing the Ravens off the field quickly once again, Deshaun Watson moved the home side into position to take the lead, but Szmyt’s attempt to do so sailed wide and the game remained on a knife’s edge. Fortunately for him, just minutes later and with just 2 seconds remaining, a 33-yard connection from Watson to Jeudy meant he was given the chance to officially win the game.

A defensive offside call brought him 5 yards closer, which made it a 37-yard attempt. Szmyt made no mistake, and Cleveland did what it does best yet again, creating an improbable upset at home against a divisional rival, equalling their opponent’s division-leading record at 4-2.

After a gutsy win last week, it seemed as though Baltimore had turned the corner from the issues that have marred their recent seasons. But yet again, self-inflicted wounds and lacklustre offensive play shone through against a strong defense. Needless to say, they need Lamar Jackson back next week to take on the Cincinnati Bengals.

Touchdowns
Baltimore: Cuevas
Cleveland: Estime

Top Performers
Baltimore: Cuevas, Eckley, Hamilton, Martin
Cleveland: Jeudy, Bojorquez, Szmyt, Schwesinger

Injuries
Baltimore: N/A
Cleveland: Delpit (concussion)

Crowd: TBC @ Huntington Bank Stadium