Cleveland Browns (7-6) – Baltimore Ravens (8-5) : 24-22
Weaned from balls in the first half, unable to advance, the Ravens have never been in a position to hope. Yet at the very end of the game, the Baltimore attack had the ball winning. But like the meeting, the Browns’ defense prevented an improbable comeback.
Quickly deprived of Lamar Jackson hit in the ankle, John Harbaugh’s men were stifled by an aggressive defense and perfectly in place. If Baker Mayfield (22/32, 190 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception) had better exploited their remarkable work, the fate of the meeting would have been sealed much faster.
Lamar muzzled … and injured
A single first attempt obtained on the first game then nothing. Perfectly contained at the pass and under pressure, Lamar Jackson was unable to advance his attack. Hit in the ankle at the start of the 2ndquarter-time, the quarterback must even give way to Tyler Huntley.
Opposite, the Browns roam slowly but surely. After a first sterile possession, Cleveland gradually rises in speed. First with a field goal, then with a touchdown from Jarvis Landry. Bis repeated on the next drive. Nick Chubb does the undermining work, and Baker Mayfield hooks up with Austin Hooper. The Browns stand out. 17-0
Mayfield down, the Ravens hang on
Clean and efficient, Mayfield seems to be on the right track. But a nasty interception comes to stop the mechanics. The quarterback can’t do it anymore. Not at all. Fortunately for the Browns the defense is secure. Extremely aggressive, the defensive line harasses Huntley under constant pressure. Myles Garrett forces the fumble on a sack and recovers to score his first defensive touchdown of his career.
Myles Garrett strips, scoops and scores! #Browns @Flash_Garrett
????: #BALvsCLE on CBS
????: NFL app pic.twitter.com/yR3s2NLwqu— NFL (@NFL) December 12, 2021
Baltimore’s attack is totally underwater and is content with 6 points in 1time half time. When we get back from the locker room, we start again on a similar basis. Tak McKinley snatches a new balloon from Huntley’s hands. But the Cleveland attack does not turn any more. If Nick Chubb manages to move the chains, this is not at all the case with his quarterback. Mayfield cannot capitalize on the excellent work of his defense. He systematically returns the leather to the Ravens quickly. And by dint of putting his defense back on the ground, it ends up giving way. Two good assists and a conclusion signed Latavius Murray, Baltimore regains hope. 24-15
Defense saves the homeland
Especially since the possessions are shorter and shorter. Uninspired the Cleveland attack is completely at a standstill. Rather than relying on a solid and productive duo of runners, Stefanski puts the ball in the hands of Mayfield who in addition to not advancing stops the clock and gives time to the Ravens. With the energy of desperation, Huntley finds his targets and sends Mark Andrews into the goal. A muddle on the onside kick gives Baltimore the opportunity to go for an unlikely victory. But once again the defense holds up and allows the Browns to win, thus maintaining their hopes of the playoffs. For the Ravens, a second defeat in a row and the loss of Lamar Jackson darkens the horizon but Baltimore still retains the advantage in AFC North.
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