Inside linebacker Malik Harrison blocked a late area aim try, and the Ravens held on to beat the Cleveland Browns, 23-20, on Sunday and exorcise a few of their fourth-quarter demons.
Harrison’s block of Browns kicker Cade York’s 60-yard area aim try preserved the Ravens’ slim lead with just below two minutes remaining inside M&T Financial institution Stadium, and security Geno Stone compelled and recovered a fumble to extinguish the Browns’ probabilities of night the rating on a desperation game-ending drive.
The Ravens (4-3) have been outscored once more within the fourth quarter, 10-3, however held on per week after collapsing late in a street loss to the New York Giants. Quarterback Lamar Jackson completed 9-for-16 for 120 yards and 10 carries for 59 yards. Operating again Gus Edwards, in his first recreation again since tearing his ACL earlier than final season, had 16 carries for 66 yards and two touchdowns.
The Ravens survived to stay atop the AFC North regardless of being outgained 336-254. They continue to be forward of the Cincinnati Bengals (4-3) by advantage of their Week 5 win in Baltimore. Subsequent comes a fast turnaround and a Thursday night time recreation in opposition to quarterback Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whom the rebuilding Carolina Panthers surprised, 21-3.
The Ravens, main 23-20, have been near placing the sport away earlier within the fourth quarter, a interval that has given them nothing however bother this season. However after working off practically six minutes with a 12-play, 56-yard drive into area aim vary, working again Justice Hill had the ball punched out by inside linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. The Browns recovered his fumble on the Ravens’ 16 with 3:12 remaining.
Cleveland (2-5) superior to the Ravens’ 34, however an offensive-pass-interference penalty on extensive receiver Amari Cooper and a false-start penalty on fourth down compelled York onto the sphere for his lengthy would-be tying try. Harrison, an Ohio native and former Ohio State star, acquired a finger on the ball, and it landed nicely wanting the aim line.
The Ravens’ offense wasn’t fairly Sunday. They went up 20-10 halfway via the third quarter with the assistance of their protection and a gritty offensive drive. Edwards’ 1-yard run on fourth-and-goal was the eighth play of a 25-yard landing drive kick-started by defensive finish Calais Campbell, whose strip-sack of quarterback Jacoby Brissett (22-for-27 for 258 yards) bounced into the grasp of outdoor linebacker Odafe Oweh.
When their offense faltered — star tight finish Mark Andrews, restricted in observe all week, completed with out a catch — the Ravens may no less than depend on their particular groups. Kicker Justin Tucker had three area targets, together with a 55-yarder to increase their fourth-quarter result in 23-13, whereas Devin Duvernay arrange a 34-yarder with a 46-yard punt return.
The protection had its ups and downs. After a woeful first half, the Ravens compelled three straight second-quarter punts and a turnover within the third quarter, permitting solely three factors over a 30-minute interval. However the Browns ran over the Ravens to start out the fourth quarter, protecting 75 yards and reaching the top zone in simply 2:24, narrowing their result in 23-20 with 9 minutes remaining.
The Ravens’ first half didn’t observe their regular script. Over the season’s first six weeks, they’d allowed simply three factors complete within the first quarter. They hadn’t given up a rating on their opening defensive possession. They’d by no means trailed.
That each one modified shortly. Seven minutes in, Browns working again Nick Chubb (16 carries for 91 yards) capped the sport’s first drive with a 2-yard landing run. Eight minutes later, kicker Cade York booted a 41-yard area aim. The Browns entered the second quarter main 10-3, with Brissett an ideal 7-for-7 for 121 yards.
Because the Ravens’ protection stabilized, their offense bounced from one excessive to a different. After a promising opening drive petered out within the crimson zone, the Ravens went three-and-out after which settled for an additional area aim in Browns territory after a 5-yard drive. They didn’t take their first lead till Edwards, making his first look since January 2021, rumbled in from 7 yards out for a 13-10 lead with two minutes remaining.
This story might be up to date.
Week 8
Ravens at Buccaneers
Thursday, 8:15 p.m.
Stream: Amazon Prime
Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM
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