The Cleveland Browns used all three phases of the game to pull off the comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 10.
Deshaun Watson orchestrated a game-winning drive, the defense forced two Lamar Jackson turnovers and kicker Dustin Hopkins hit four field goals in the Browns’ 33-30 win over the AFC North rivals.
It wasn’t pretty in the beginning, though. Watson completed just one pass in the fourth quarter and tossed another interception for his worst passing performance in a quarter in his career. The offense couldn’t score touchdowns, either, and trailed 17-9 at halftime thanks to three Hopkins field goals.
But the offense found its groove in the second half and the defense stymied the Ravens to pull off the win.
Here’s this week’s 4 Downs:
First down: Browns' defense proves its might once more
This game isn’t winnable if the Browns defense doesn’t play the way it did at the end of the game. Yes, 30 points is a lot to give up but it could have been a lot worse if not for the play of Myles Garrett and the secondary. Garrett recorded 1.5 sacks and the secondary snagged two Lamar Jackson interceptions.
The first by Mike Ford thwarted a second quarter drive for the Ravens, while 2021 first-rounder Greg Newsome II scored his first career touchdown on a pick-six late in the fourth quarter to draw within one point. The defense also allowed only seven points in the fourth quarter, which gave the offense the ability to score three times and win.
Second down: The good and the bad of Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson finished with a solid stat line: 213 passing yards, one passing touchdown and one interception on 20-of-37 passing attempts. He also added 37 rushing yards on eight carries. But for awhile, Watson looked bad.
Not only were his first quarter numbers awful, but he went into halftime with just six competitions on 20 passing attempts and that interception. Watson also appeared to pick up an injury before halftime and there were concerns P.J. Walker would have to start the second half. Watson appeared fine, though, and led the three scoring drives to win the game.
The rollercoaster continues.
Third down: Kicking game won the day but almost lost it, too
Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins had his own highs and lows in this game. He converted the game-winning 40-yard field goal as time expired, but also missed another field goal as well as the extra point after the Browns’ second fourth-quarter score.
Hopkins finished with field goals of 40, 37, 36, 28 and 23 with one extra point in the game. His kicks were instrumental in the Browns staying within two scores as the Ravens stacked up early touchdowns. Hopkins was clearly the right choice for the starting kicker but the Browns cannot rely on field goals to secure wins.
Fourth down: Penalties, penalties, penalties
Penalties were once again a bit issue for the Browns, even in a win. Cleveland was flagged 10 times against the Ravens for 55 yards and have 72 on the season. Before the game, the Browns ranked seventh in the NFL. More than anything, though, four of them were costly and came on third or fourth.
The Browns proved in Week 10 they’re one of the best teams in the NFL. But they can just as easily go the other way with costly penalties.
