Dawgs By Nature
The offense explodes under Winston, even if he dodges a bunch of interceptions.
The Browns had the lead for much of the game, but it was always close. The offense was much better under Jameis Winston, and the defense had their moments — but then Baltimore went fast-paced and got a go-ahead touchdown with 2:36 to go. With a shot at a game-winning drive, Winston delivered — sort of. After a game-ending interception was dropped, he came back with a go-ahead touchdown pass to give the Browns a 29-24 lead. Then, the defense held with a minute to go and the victory. Let’s get to the full game recap.
The Ravens were moving the ball with ease on their opening drive, getting a mix of good pass and run plays. After getting into a 4th-and-1 at the 7 yard line, Baltimore opted to go for it. They put RB Derrick Henry in the Wildcat, giving the Browns’ defense an advantage since they knew he was going to run it. They stuffed Henry for a loss of 3 yards and a turnover on downs.
QB Jameis Winston took over at the 10 yard line. The first play was a handoff to RB Nick Chubb that went for three yards, and then on second down, Winston ripped a pass to TE David Njoku for a gain of 20 yards.
Winston was threading the ball and being a gunslinger, narrowly avoid picks but passing for 73 yards on the first drive. However, down near the goal line, he had a ton of time to throw and then nearly threw a pick with no receiver in the area. On third down, the Ravens stopped the quick screen to WR Cedric Tillman, forcing the Browns to settle for a 28-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 0:37 left in a very quick first quarter.
After a run by QB Lamar Jackson for a first down to open the quarter, Henry broke free on the next play as CB Greg Newsome missed the tackle on the edge. S Juan Thornhill eventually brought Henry down after a gain of 39 yards.
On second down, Jackson felt pressure and was sacked by DE Ogbo Okoronkwo.
Then, on third down, Jackson had time to throw, and missed an open WR Zay Flowers in the end zone. K Justin Tucker came on for a 49-yard field goal, which he hit to tie the game at 3-3.
Chubb had a burst of 15 yards to open the Browns’ next drive. After a quick pass made it 2nd-and-4, the Ravens brought a corner blitz. Cleveland had the right play on with a quick swing to Njoku, but it was thrown at an angle that didn’t allow him to catch it cleanly. On third down, the defensive line batted away Winston’s pass, leading to a punt that was fair caught at the 13 yard line.
The defense responded with a three-and-out, including CB Denzel Ward...
