Baltimore Ravens 'Didn't Bring Their Best' in Loss to Cleveland Browns
It's back to the drawing board for the Baltimore Ravens this week.
For a team that had looked unstoppable in recent games, the Ravens reverted back to the mean a bit on Sunday, blowing a late lead and falling to the Cleveland Browns 33-31 at home. The Ravens opened up a 17-3 lead in the first quarter before the Browns mounted a late comeback, topped off by a game-winning 40-yard field goal from Dustin Hopkins.
Did Baltimore become complacent? That's possible, and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike was not pleased after the game.
"We've got to learn from it, for sure," Madubuike said. "Every week, you're supposed to come and bring your best, and we didn't do that today, so we've got to get better."
Nov 12, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs with the ball as Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) defends during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports
© Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports
Talent is certainly not the issue for the Ravens on either side of the ball, but after winning some recent games in dominating fashion, maybe the aforementioned complacency is. Madubuike seemed to indicate that his team "didn't bring its best" on Sunday, and if that happens in this league, you will always fall short on any given week.
If anything, a loss to a division rival is always strong enough to jolt a team awake, and maybe Sunday can provide that for Baltimore. Madubuike himself recorded three tackles and one sack on Sunday, but surrendering the comeback effort is evidence that something wasn't clicking just right for the Ravens, and that's where adjustments will be necessary heading into next week.
It's a quick turnaround for the Ravens who will be facing the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night, a team that is also coming off a disappointing loss to the Houston Texans. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET, and the game will be streamed on Prime Video.
