That was amazing., another victory Monday. This team has the heart and the will to beat anyone. Down by fourteen points, they never gave up. I didn’t have a good feeling going into this game, but still thought the Browns had a chance to win. In the fourth quarter, the Browns trailed by fifteen points, fumbled a punt return, had an interception called back because of a penalty and a missed extra point and still won. The best part, besides beating the hated Ravens, Cleveland still has a shot to win the division.
The field goals in the first half kept the Browns in the game while the defense finally started to stop Baltimore. I agree with the call not to try a 60-yard field goal at the end of the first half. I’ve seen enough blocked kicks returned for touchdowns in my lifetime. In the second half, both Kevin Stefanski and Jim Schwartz made the right adjustments and it showed. They decided to beat up the Ravens and they did. Three drives in the second half, twelve minutes, fifteen minutes and twelve minutes. Controlled the clock after Baltimore had taken a 24-9 lead. The defense made the MVP quarterback look silly. Sacked him three times and hit him six times. I always maintain a QB hit is just as good as a sack. The defense was so good, Lamar Jackson completed one pass in the fourth quarter. One. Defensive end Myles Garrett had two sacks, but his best play was stopping Lamar Jackson from making a first down when he was scrambling down the sideline. It forced the Ravens to punt, and Jackson didn’t see the field again.
On offense the run game was working and the short passing game as well. Incredible runs by running back Jerome Ford and tight end David Njoku. The “pile run” to set up the last field goal describes this team to a tee. Baltimore made first contact at the 38 and the ball ended up on the 26. The Ravens had not allowed more than one touchdown at home in nine straight games. Quarterback Deshaun Watson had a bad first half, he didn’t seem comfortable in the pocket. But in the second half, perfect, 14 for 14, and made plays that made the difference with a bad ankle. Running back Kareem Hunt has scored in five straight games. Not bad for a guy who started the season sitting on his couch.
Pro Football Focus grades. Offense, WR Amari Cooper, 75.5, TE Harrison Bryant, 70.6, RB Jerome Ford, 69.6, LT Geron Chistian, 69.6 and LG Joel Bitonio. Defense, CB Greg Newsome, 79.6, CB Mike Ford, 76.8, DE Za’Darius Smith, 72.4, LB Sione Takitaki, 69.6 and DE Myles Garrett, 68.9.
Next up is a home game against the Steelers. If the Bengals can beat the Ravens on Thursday night, Sunday’s game could be for first place in the AFC North. Do the Browns control their own destiny? Not yet, but they’re heading in that direction. Stay safe and Go Browns.