Baltimore Ravens Start Hot Again, Pounce On Cleveland Browns For 17-9 Halftime Lead
The Baltimore Ravens entered Sunday's divisional showdown against the Cleveland Browns on a heater, having won four straight games including two in dominant fashion over quality opponents.
In the first half, the Ravens certainly came to play once again as they lead their rivals 17-9 heading into the locker room.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson stiff-arms a Browns defender.
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Baltimore asserted itself on only the second play of the game, when safety Kyle Hamilton came blitzing off the edge, tipped a pass by Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson and took it back 18 yards for a pick six. That set the tone early, and the Ravens weren't done yet.
After quickly forcing a punt on the Browns' next drive, the Ravens marched 79 yards on only five plays to score their second touchdown in the opening five minutes. Breakout running back Keaton Mitchell, who had over 100 yards and his first touchdown last week, capped off the drive with a 39-yard score on the ground.
After that, the game settled down for the rest of the half. Both teams traded field goals, then Cleveland added two more kicks with a blocked one for Baltimore in between. A late interception gave the Browns a chance to tie things up, but
Lamar Jackson completed eight of 13 passes for 111 yards in the half, although a late interception put a damper on an otherwise solid showing. Rookie Zay Flowers was his favorite target with three receptions for 44 yards.
On the other side, Watson had a subpar showing by completing six of 20 passes for 79 yards and the aforementioned pick. He also limped to the sideline with an apparent injury just before halftime. Jerome Ford had a strong performance with 11 carries for 75 yards, while Amari Cooper led the way through the air with two catches for 45 yards.
Baltimore will get the ball to start the second half.
