Tuesday 15 November 2016 09:59, UK
Baltimore Ravens scored 25 unanswered points to beat the Cleveland Browns 28-7 and maintain top spot in the AFC North.
After taking the lead in the second quarter, the Browns were shutout by the Ravens' number two ranked defence, and Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco added three second-half touchdowns to give his side their fifth win of the season.
In 140 Characters...
History repeats itself as Ravens comeback to beat Browns. Cleveland open season with 10 losses for first time in franchise history.
MVP
Baltimore captain C.J Mosley led the team in tackles with five, as the defence contained Cleveland to just 33 yards rushing. It was the linebacker who, when they met in week two, made a fourth-quarter interception to win the game.
Game-changer
The benching of quarterback Cody Kessler didn't change the game for the positive tonight, but it may affect the rookie's confidence for the rest of the season.
Head coach Hue Jackson said he "needed a spark", but the timing seemed odd with the Browns less than a score down. The spark never came, and Josh McCown's showing did nothing to improve the fortunes of this franchise.
Stat of the night
119 - Since the start of his career, Kessler has thrown just one interception, in week four against Washington. Since then, the QB has gone 119 passes without a pick. McCown registered two within just eight pass attempts after coming on tonight.
The game
It was a slow start for both sides with neither offence able to put together a drive longer than 48 yards in the first quarter. Baltimore came closest when, at the Browns' 34-yard line, Flacco's pass intended for Steve Smith was intercepted just short of the end zone.
The Ravens opened the scoring with a field goal before Cleveland responded, Kessler throwing a 25-yard touchdown pass to fourth-round rookie tight end Seth DeValve.
With time expiring at the end of the first half, Justin Tucker scored his second field goal of the night, to leave the Ravens trailing 7-6. However, they took the lead on their first drive of the second half, Darren Waller completing a 64-yard drive to give Flacco his 'mannequin challenge' opportunity.
Rookie QB Kessler was benched following a three and out, but veteran McCown failed to improve the Browns' fortunes, throwing an interception on his first drive.
Steve Smith added an 11-yard touchdown score, before McCown threw another interception to Ravens safety Eric Weddle, who returned the pick for 38 yards. This time Flacco took advantage of the poor throw, driving downfield before a 27-yard touchdown pass to Breshad Perriman sealed the game.
It was a tough loss to take for Browns head coach Hue Jackson, who saw his team give up 25 points to the Ravens in week two. The coach also has a decision to make about his quarterback, after saying he didn't want to "play musical chairs" at the position.
The Ravens strengthen their case for a post-season spot and put the pressure on Pittsburgh, who face the Dallas Cowboys this weekend. It wasn't the most convincing performance from Flacco and the offence, but the defence limited Cleveland's anaemic attack to just 144 total yards.
