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Final Score
Browns — 0-7-0-0–07
Ravens — 0-6-15-7–28
The Browns stayed winless through ten games Thursday night, giving up 28 unanswered points to Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens.
Things started fine for the Browns, and after trading stops Cody Kessler led the Browns down the field for an early touchdown. But by the final whistle that would be their only score, and Josh McCown would replace Kessler under center.
The Ravens used their elite defense to set them up on the other side, getting good field position all night long. The run game was functional, and set up Joe Flacco to attack the Browns on play-action. Flacco threw three touchdowns on the night, but his two interceptions, both caught in the end zone, will leave the offense unsatisfied.
The Ravens are now a full game ahead of Pittsburgh in the tight AFC North, but have a tough matchup next weekend in Dallas. The Browns will continue their pursuit of the season’s first victory next week against the Steelers.
Game Highlights
Breshad Perriman’s First NFL Highlight Puts The Browns to Bed
A 27-yard catch by Perriman puts the Ravens up by three touchdowns, as the former UCF standout gets the delayed start to his career rolling. Injuries derailed Perriman’s rookie season, but he’s shown in this game why he was such a hot prospect.
Steve Smith Extends Ravens Lead
He’s still got it!
@89SteveSmith crosses the plane for a @Ravens TD! #CLEvsBAL #TNF t.co/iMemx4ne2J
After a Joe Haden interception stifled one Baltimore touchdown drive, the Ravens come right back with another. Josh McCown is under center for Cleveland, and a short drive gives the Ravens great field position. They go 43 yards in six plays for the score, as Steve Smith gets in the endzone for the second time this season.
Flacco Hits Waller to Put Baltimore Ahead
That looked too easy…
Flacco finds Waller in the back of the END ZONE for 6! #CLEvsBAL #TNF t.co/qQSXMoVIcc
Flacco navigates a nine-play drive early in the third to get the Ravens back in front. Baltimore moved down the field effectively, and didn’t see a third down until the TD pass to Darren Waller. Make sure you check out Flacco’s terrible celebration afterwards.
Kessler Gets Cleveland in The Endzone First
.@CodyKessler6 finds @PUTigerFootball product Seth DeValve for the @Browns rookie’s first career TD! #CLEvsBAL #TNF t.co/Czr0ACCXMj
If you own Seth DeValve… you’re weird.
Did you start Seth DeValve on your fantasy team? Cleveland’s third-string tight end gets loose over the middle, and Kessler lays him a perfect pass for the game’s opening touchdown. It’s been a defensive struggle in the first half, but the Browns have definitely made more plays.
Baltimore’s Early Drive Ends Abruptly
Flacco is overthrowing his underthrows tonight
The Ravens were looking to strike first at the end of a defensive first quarter, and drove the ball into Browns territory. But Flacco let this pass to Steve Smith sail way over the mark, and Briean Boddy-Calhoun made a nice diving play to get a takeaway for the Cleveland defense.
Game Stats
Cleveland Browns
Passing: Kessler: 11/18, 91 yards, TD
Rushing: Crowell: 8 carries, 23 yards
Receiving: Pryor: 5 catches, 48 yards
Baltimore Ravens
Passing: Flacco: 30/41, 296 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: West: 21 carries, 65 yards
Receiving: Smith: 5 catches, 60 yards, TD
Preview
There’s only one storyline heading into Thursday night’s AFC North matchup between the Browns and Ravens.
Are the Browns going to win a game this season?
Their best shot may be Thursday night, against a Ravens team that only narrowly defeated them earlier this season. Cleveland had a 20-2 lead after the first quarter in Week 2, only to be shut out for the remaining three quarters and lose 25-20. Josh McCown was Cleveland’s quarterback in that game, throwing two early touchdowns to Corey Coleman but also throwing an interception with 13 seconds left.
McCown will be on the sidelines Thursday, as Cody Kessler attempts to become the first Browns QB to win a game since Johnny Manziel. Looking ahead at the Browns schedule, this game looks like Cleveland’s best chance to win this season. Baltimore hasn’t impressed this season; every game they’ve played has been decided by eight points or less.