The Baltimore Ravens navigated a challenging path to the AFC North title, overcoming a rough start that included an 0-2 record and a two-game deficit with just four matches remaining. Their perseverance culminated in a decisive 35-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, securing the division crown for the second consecutive year.
Lamar Jackson, who threw two touchdown passes during the game, is now focused on the upcoming postseason. “I’m focused on the wild-card game, I’m not going to lie to you,” Jackson said. “I’m cool with what’s going on today, but my mind’s on something else.”
With the win, the Ravens improved to 12-5 and will host their playoff opener against either the Los Angeles Chargers or the Pittsburgh Steelers. Baltimore finished the season strong, winning four straight games after trailing the Steelers in the division.
The Browns (3-14) ended a disappointing season with six consecutive losses. Quarterbacks Bailey Zappe and Dorian Thompson-Robinson struggled to move the ball, with Zappe throwing an interception that was returned 26 yards for a touchdown by rookie Nate Wiggins, marking the first points of the game.
A key concern for the Ravens was the health of Pro Bowl receiver Zay Flowers, who left the game in the second quarter with a right knee injury.
Jackson’s touchdown passes were to Mark Andrews in the second quarter and Rashod Bateman in the third. He finished the season with impressive statistics, including 4,172 passing yards, 41 touchdown passes, and just four interceptions, making him the first quarterback to achieve over 4,000 passing yards with 40 touchdowns and four or fewer interceptions. Jackson also rushed for 915 yards, becoming the first player to throw for 4,000 yards and rush for at least 800 in a single season. His passer rating of 119.6 fell short of breaking the single-season record of 122.5 held by Aaron Rodgers.
Cleveland’s Zappe completed 170 yards with two interceptions, including a 16-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Akins that cut the Ravens’ lead to 21-10 in the fourth quarter. However, Baltimore responded with a 70-yard drive, capped by a 2-yard touchdown run from Derrick Henry, who also added a 43-yard scoring run later in the game. Henry finished the season with a franchise-record 1,921 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.
Despite the loss, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized the importance of competition. “If they’re keeping score, we’re going to compete to the end,” he said. Defensive standout Myles Garrett, who entered the game tied for the NFL lead in sacks, was unable to sack Jackson but contributed with a tackle for loss.
In a notable moment, Ravens defensive lineman Michael Pierce, weighing in at 355 pounds, recorded his first career interception late in the game. Coach John Harbaugh humorously dubbed it “the most amazing play in NFL history.”
Looking ahead, Harbaugh expressed confidence in his team’s readiness for the playoffs, highlighting that they have faced every team in the AFC playoff field this season.
Injury updates from the game included Cleveland defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr., who was carted off with a knee injury, and cornerbacks Mike Ford Jr. and Martin Emerson Jr., who suffered injuries to their forearm and ankle, respectively.
As Baltimore prepares for the postseason, the potential matchup could see the Ravens face off against the Chargers, coached by Jim Harbaugh, John’s brother, or a divisional clash with the Steelers. Meanwhile, Cleveland looks forward to the draft, as their quarterback situation remains uncertain after a tumultuous season.
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