Cleveland, OH-
In an AFC North matchup on Saturday night, the Browns hosted the Ravens. Northeast Ohio lived up to its reputation as snow flurries swirled in First Energy. In what would be a low scoring game, the Browns defense stepped up late to secure the win.
This was Deshaun Watson’s third game back from suspension and his first home game for Cleveland. He was 18-of-28 passing for 161 yards including a touchdown to Donovan Peoples-Jones.
Browns defense sets the tone
However, once again it was the defense that stole the show. They held the Ravens to one field goal. Tyler Huntley got the nod behind center in place of the injured Lamar Jackson. The Browns defense was able to shut down Huntley. The backup quarterback went 17-of-30 passing for 138 yards.
The Ravens run game produced 198 yards with J.K. Dobbins accounting for 125 of those yards. However, they could not find the end zone.
BL🚫CKED!#Browns block Tucker's FG attempt.@Browns | via @NFL pic.twitter.com/kombK18Gk4
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 17, 2022
Cleveland’s defense forced two turnovers and blocked a field goal. They also came up big on stopping the Ravens on 4th down conversions. Baltimore was shut down on three 4th down attempts.
Inconsistent kicking
Cade York provided the first points of the game with a 47-yard field goal. Baltimore’s Justin Tucker nailed a 53-yard field goal to tie the game.
York found himself with another opportunity to put points on the board with under 2 minutes left in the half. He sailed one over the crossbar to give the Browns a 6-3 lead.
Baltimore looked to answer back and drove to the Browns 31. Tucker who is known for his strong leg missed a 48-yard attempt and Cleveland held the lead at the half.
York went on to miss two attempts but somehow outkicked All-Pro Tucker who went on to have a blocked field goal to add to his miss.
Denzel Ward with the interception
🚨 INTERCEPTION 🚨
Denzel Ward picks off Brett Hundley!pic.twitter.com/AVugtqJZU9
— Browns Nation (@BrownsNationCP) December 17, 2022
Ward was able to get between Huntley and Ravens’ receiver DeSean Jackson. With the interception Watson seemed to struggle to get in the endzone. But Baltimore’s Justin Houston gave the Browns life with a facemask penalty. Watson connected with Peoples-Jones for a 3-yard touchdown.
While it wasn’t prettiest of wins, it was a win, nonetheless. The Browns defense did its job, and the offense showed some signs of improvement. Watson’s performance was underwhelming but he showed plenty of emotion after the game saying: “It was a lot…just to be able to get my first victory in my first home start, just to get a victory against a tough divisional team. Last week we wanted that one, and it didn’t go our way. It was me just soaking in the moment and releasing all the energy and the happiness I had in myself. I just wanted to yell that and scream that out. I feel like everyone needs that every once in a while.”
The New Orleans Saints will travel to Cleveland on Christmas Eve for Cleveland’s final home game.
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