Lamar Jackson Scores, Defense Floors; Baltimore Ravens Lead Cleveland Browns 21-3 at Half
What's the rush? The Baltimore Ravens sure love the answer.
Two rushing scores for Lamar Jackson sugarcoated an otherwise tepid first half for the purple and black, who nonetheless lead the reeling Cleveland Browns 21-3 at halftime of their Sunday showdown in the Rock 'n Roll Capital of the World. Jackson's scores, which also included a six-point pass to Mark Andrews, complemented a standout defensive effort that allowed Sunday's hosts to muster only 71 yards and four first downs over the first half-hour.
Ravens (21)
PASSING: Lamar Jackson (10-of-12, 146 yards, 1 TD)
RUSHING: Gus Edwards (8 carries, 40 yards)
RECEIVING: Mark Andrew (4 rec., 62 yards, 1 TD)
Browns (3)
PASSING: Dorian Thompson-Robinson (10-of-17, 60 yards)
RUSHING: Jerome Ford (6 carries, 17 yards)
RECEIVING: David Njoku (3 rec., 27 yards)
BS? Hardly
No one has ever seen to know what to do with Brandon Stephens. While blessed with strong athleticism, the UCLA/SMU alum has taken a nomadic journey among his lineups, working as a running back as an amateur before switching to defense. In Baltimore, Stephens kept up the cornerback spot Sonny Dykes established for him with the Mustangs but they've tried to experiment with him at safety as well. At cornerback, however, Stephens has filled in serviceable for Marlon Humphrey. Technically speaking, he was the Ravens' most impactful player on both offense and defense, as a 52-yard runback on his first career interception set up Jackson's first tally of the afternoon. Stephens still has some kinks to work out ... a pass interference penalty set up Cleveland's lone score thus far ... but it's promising to see a Baltimore depth star stand out.
O, What a Relief
Had it not been for Stephens' first career takeaway, it might've been time for an awkward conversation about the Ravens' offense, which endured three consecutive three-and-outs and a fumble when they weren't set up in the Browns' red zone. A diverse attack started to open things up a bit: Baltimore has found success by pounding it in with Gus Edwards, which has allowed the Odell Beckham Jr.-free passing game to get open. One has to appreciate Zay Flowers finally getting involved in the box score, as the premiere rookie earned 56 yards on a trio of receptions in the second period.
