Final Score in Cleveland: 24-29 Browns win.
This game had TRAP written all over it.
The script unfolded exactly as most Ravens fans feared. It was close, and the defense gave up every lead the offense could muster.
Final in Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/C91HHlPAXt
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 27, 2024
The wins
Positives to take away from this game: Kyle Hamilton.
The worries
It was a divisional game; however, the Ravens have played down to a Browns team, which was 1-6 going into this week.
Until this week, Cleveland hasn’t scored 20 points. They did against the Ravens.
Browns QB Jameis Winston threw 334 yards and 3 touchdowns Sunday.
This pass defense simply looks soulless as its ranked last in the NFL.
Yes, Marlon Humphrey (knee) and Nate Wiggins (shoulder/illness) were out with injuries, but this group should have been able to hold up.
This game was the first time Winston saw the field since 2022. He looked like a perennial pro-bowler.
It’s not just the middle of the field; the whole field is completely open every week. As it stands, this pass defense couldn’t stop a VHS tape if it was sitting in a VCR.
Week to week, the secondary doesn't appear to be ready. Too often the DB's are caught out of position against the pass.
There's more miscommunication in the secondary than a dysfunctional family.
It feels like the defensive backs dropped at least 5-7 interceptions. Winston wanted to give this game away, but the Ravens couldn't take advantage.
The pass rush was no better. According to TruMedia, the Ravens are allowing opposing QB's 3.96 seconds to throw on third-and-long. This is an eternity for any passer with a pulse.
If it wasn’t for Kyle Hamilton getting critical third down stops, this game might have been a blowout.
Even during wins, this team is wildly undisciplined.
Penalties on offense push them out of the red zone every Sunday and stall key drives.
Inexplicably, Derrick Henry only had 11 carries for 73 yards. Abandoning the run is a sure-fire disaster game plan no matter what for the purple and black no matter what year it is.
The main questions left is - Who or what is this team when Lamar, Henry, and co. aren't putting up 30 + points a game?
The AFC North is always tough, but this game like the Raiders game is one this team should have won.
Hope:
Hopefully, Eric Decosta has one or two moves in mind before the trade deadline, preferably for the defense. This defense needs a shot in the arm if this team wants to make the playoffs and have a chance to get to a Super Bowl.
