The Baltimore Ravens traveled to Cleveland on Sunday to battle the Browns in an early season matchup for first place within the AFC north. But despite the Ravens having several key starters out including wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashod Batman, left tackle Ronnie Stanley, and edge rushers Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo, the Ravens played one of their most complete games so far this season, in route to a dominating 28-3 win. Sundays win moves the Ravens to 3-1 and 2-0 within the division giving them sole possession of the AFC north lead, while the Browns fall to 2-2 and 0-1 in the AFC north.
The Browns were without their regular staring quarterback Deshaun Watson as he was sidelined with a shoulder injury. That led to rookie firth-round pick Dorian Thompson-Robinson getting his first career NFL start. Thompson-Robinson was impressive in the preseason, but it didn’t take long for Thompson-Robinson to get his welcome to the NFL. Outside of a late first quarter drive by Thompson-Robinson that was helped by a Brandon Stephens pass interference penalty, and leading to the Browns only points of the day. Thompson-Robinson spent most of Sunday running for his life as he was hit eight times and sacked four.
The pressure quickly got to Thompson-Robinson which forced him to throw not one, not two, but three interception on the day. Ravens cornerback Brandon Stepehens and safety Geno Stone each recorded an interception. While second-year Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton recorded his career interception in the end zone as time expired to end the game.
Thompson-Robinson finished his first start going 19-for-36 for 121 yards and no touchdowns. But the Browns struggled to not only pass the ball but they also struggled to run the ball rushing for 93 yards with 40 of those yards coming in garbage time near the end of the fourth quarter.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson on the other hand improved after last Sundays so-so day throwing the ball against Indianapolis. Jackson had terrific ball placement all day make multiple throws outside the numbers and using his ability to move to extend plays inside the pocket. Jackson would find his favorite target, tight end Mark Andrews, not once but twice for touchdowns, while also continuing to use his legs has he rushed for two scores from 10 and 2-yards out.
Jackson finished Sunday an efficient 15-for-19 for 186 yards and the two touchdowns throwing. While also adding the two touchdowns on the ground on nine carries for 27 yards. Not only did Mark Andrews catch his first two touchdowns of the season, but he also led the Ravens in receiving for the first time this year catching five passes for 80 yards. With rookie Zay Flowers catching three passes for 56-yards, including a 36-yard catch in the second quarter along the sideline.
Ravens running back Gus Edwards just one week removed from a concussion was the lead back as he rushed 15 times for 48 yards, while Justice Hill played limited snaps in his first game back from injury carrying the ball just 3 times for 33 yards.
Coming into Sunday the talk was about how dominate the Browns defense was as they rank as the number one defense in the NFL. But what the Raven did Sunday not only offensively to the number one ranked defense, but also for the Ravens defense that truly looked like the best defense in the NFL after Sunday.
The Ravens must however continue to clean up mistakes as penalties and fumbles plagued this Ravens offense once again. The Ravens had eight penalties for 92 yards with several of those penalties negating big plays. This offense feels like it’s on the verge of moving to the next level as more key pieces return from injury, but mistakes will continue to hinder this Ravens offense if they aren’t fixed soon.
The Ravens hit the road again next week as they look to take complete control of the AFC north and move to 3-0 within the division as they battle the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers currently rank near the bottom half of the NFL in both offense and defense, and will likely be without quarterback Kenny Pickett as he suffered a knee injury in their defeat to the Houston Texans on Sunday.
Notable Injuries:
Morgan Moses (shoulder)- MRI Scheduled
Darly Worley (shoulder)- MRI Scheduled
Jayln Armour-Davis (hamstring)- Week-to-Week
Games Notes:
Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh Secured his 150th career victory, 24th most all-time.
Lamar Jackson had two passing and two rushing touchdowns for the first time in his career.
Roquan Smith led all Ravens with 10 tackles.
Defensive tackle Broderick Washington recorded his first sack of 2023.
The Ravens averaged 2.8 more yards per play than the Browns.
The post Ravens Handle Browns Despite Injuries appeared first on Marylandsportsblog.com.