Cleveland Browns (2-2) – Baltimore Ravens (3-1): 3-28
Winning two of their first three games, the Browns and Ravens faced off this Sunday in Cleveland to potentially take first place in the AFC North division. A great display on paper, a little less so on the ground.
Deprived of their quarterback Deshaun Watson (in addition to runner Nick Chubb, out for the season), the Browns did not see the light of day in attack. Lamar Jackson’s Ravens (15/19 passing, 187 YDS, 2 TD, 27 YDS rushing, 2 TD, 1 lost fumble) only needed one half to create the gap.
Lamar Jackson in control
The start of the match is very defensive, with on one side the Browns who confirm their great solidity this season, and on the other the Ravens who are not worried by the Cleveland attack, led by rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson- Robinson (19/36, 121 YDS, 3 INT). It is therefore logical that the meeting broke out with a big defensive play: in the middle of the first quarter, Baltimore cornerback Brandon Stephens made a 52-yard interception to put the Ravens into orbit. Lamar Jackson doesn’t need to be asked and finds the end zone (0-7).
Too limited offensively, the Browns struggle to react. Thompson-Robinson is doing his best but showing why he’s a rookie, the running game is completely absent, and the worst part is that it’s all starting to show on Cleveland’s defense. Despite constant pressure from the unstoppable Myles Garrett, Baltimore’s attack swallows up the yards. Both on the ground, but also on the pass with a very clean Jackson. The Ravens’ star quarterback found the goal twice in the last five minutes of the first half: first with his legs, then with his arm through two magnificent passes to Zay Flowers (43 yards) and Mark Andrews in the end zone (5 REC, 80 YDS, 2 TD). 3-21 for the visitors at the break.
It’s difficult to imagine a comeback for the Browns given the appearance of the match and the absences on the Cleveland side. Dorian Thompson-Robinson continues to be manhandled by opposing pressure while the punts follow one another sadly. The Ravens do not even need to force their talent to maintain their advantage, but do not hesitate to add an additional touchdown in the fourth quarter thanks to the excellent Jackson – Andrews connection (3-28).
The score will no longer move, the ordeal finally over for Cleveland.
