The road to a division title was tough for the Baltimore Ravens, who started the season 0-2, faced a tough schedule with many playoff teams, and had to come from behind, trailing by two games with only four to play.
Now that they’ve overcome all those challenges, Lamar Jackson is focused on what matters most — the 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. I’m cool, don’t get me wrong, but my mind’s on something else.”
Jackson threw two touchdown passes as the Ravens won the AFC North for the second straight year, clinching the division with a 35-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday.
With a 12-5 record, the Ravens now look to make their first Super Bowl appearance with Jackson. They’ll begin the playoffs at home, facing either the Los Angeles Chargers or Pittsburgh Steelers. Baltimore had been two games behind the Steelers in the division before finishing the season with four straight wins.
Cleveland (3-14) ended a tough season with six consecutive losses. Quarterbacks Bailey Zappe and Dorian Thompson-Robinson both played in the final game, but neither could get the offense going.
Zappe threw an interception that rookie Nate Wiggins returned 26 yards for a touchdown, giving the Ravens an early lead.
The main concern for the Ravens after the game was the health of Pro Bowl receiver Zay Flowers, who left in the second quarter with a right knee injury.
Jackson threw touchdown passes to Mark Andrews in the second quarter and Rashod Bateman in the third, capping off an incredible season that might earn him a third MVP award. Jackson finished the season with 4,172 passing yards, 41 touchdown passes, and only four interceptions. He became the first quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards with 40 TDs and four or fewer interceptions.
Jackson also rushed for 915 yards, making him the first player to throw for 4,000 yards and run for at least 800. His passer rating of 119.6 didn’t quite beat the single-season record of 122.5, which is held by Aaron Rodgers.
Zappe threw for 170 yards with two interceptions. His 16-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Akins brought Cleveland to within 21-10 in the fourth quarter, but the Ravens answered with a 70-yard drive that ended in a 2-yard touchdown run by Derrick Henry.
Henry, who turned 31 on Saturday, added a 43-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter. He finished the season with 1,921 rushing yards and set a franchise record with 16 touchdowns.
Cleveland has now gone 28 consecutive games without allowing a 300-yard passer. Jackson finished the game 16 of 32 for 217 yards.
“I respect this game, these players do. It’s a privilege to play, it’s a privilege to coach,” said Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, whose team was a 20-point underdog just before kickoff, according to BetMGM. “If they’re keeping score, we’re going to compete to the end.”
Garrett Shut Out
Cleveland’s Myles Garrett, who came into the game tied for the NFL lead with 14 sacks, was unable to sack Lamar Jackson, although the Browns did put some pressure on him. Garrett did manage to make a tackle for loss.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson, also with 14 sacks before the day started, passed Garrett with an early sack against Pittsburgh on Saturday night.
“Lamar is a very difficult quarterback to sack, but Myles played the run and battled,” said Browns coach Kevin Stefanski.
Hefty Highlight
Ravens defensive lineman Michael Pierce, who weighs 355 pounds, made a rare play late in the fourth quarter when he intercepted a pass — his first career interception in nine NFL seasons. Pierce had some room to run but chose to slide to the ground, where he was quickly surrounded by teammates.
“That’s the most amazing play in NFL history right there,” said Ravens coach John Harbaugh.
Tested
Despite finishing the regular season against the last-place Browns, Ravens coach John Harbaugh believes the team is ready for the postseason. Baltimore will have already faced every other AFC playoff team, except for possibly Miami, which might grab the final wild card spot.
“Same level of competition that we’ve been playing against,” Harbaugh said. “We’ve played all the teams in the playoffs.”
Injuries
Cleveland defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. was carted off the field with a knee injury in the third quarter. Browns cornerback Mike Ford Jr. hurt his forearm, and cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. suffered an ankle injury.
