The Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns have a history together and are both part of the AFC North. Right now, that’s about all they share.
As division rivals, they are currently at very different points in the NFL. The Ravens (5-2) are looking to extend their winning streak to six games, while the Browns (1-6) are struggling to hold on to a season that seems to be slipping away.
Unless things change quickly.
Except for the unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs, no team is performing like the Ravens, who have the best offense in the league, led by the exciting combination of Lamar Jackson and his new running back, Derrick Henry.
“They’re averaging, what, 31 points a game right now and they’re No. 1,” said Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, mentioning some of Baltimore’s impressive stats. “It’s a challenge for us.”
Jackson is having what might be his best season yet, which is impressive since he’s a two-time league MVP. He has the highest passer rating (118.0) and has thrown 15 touchdown passes with just two interceptions.
He has also rushed for 455 yards and two touchdowns, and he’s on track to be the first player to pass for 4,000 yards and rush for 1,000 in the same season.
Against Tampa Bay on Monday night, Jackson put on an amazing performance, throwing five touchdown passes and running for 52 yards in a 41-31 win that the Ravens had secured by the end of the third quarter.
In NFL history, there have been five games where a player has thrown at least five touchdown passes and rushed for 50 yards—Jackson has done this three times.
“When we say there’s another level, it’s just like, all right, we didn’t know it was another level because he’s been playing on such a high level,” Owusu-Koramoah said about Jackson’s improvement. “He’s using his feet. He’s making amazing plays, extending plays like all great quarterbacks do. He’s carrying this offense.”
The Browns are waiting for their moment. Already in a tough spot, Cleveland’s situation got worse last week when quarterback Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury in a loss to Cincinnati.
Watson wasn’t performing well due to various injuries on the offensive line, dropped passes, and penalties, but the Browns had hoped this would be a key season for him and the team.
Everything fell apart last week when Watson was taken off the field in tears.
This week, Jameis Winston will take over and make his first start since 2022 with New Orleans. The 2015 No. 1 overall pick is the 38th quarterback to start for the Browns since 1999, and his experience should help calm things down and possibly provide a spark.
It may not be as impactful as Joe Flacco’s performance last year that helped the Browns reach the playoffs, but anything to lighten the current gloom would be welcome.
“We’re looking for something,” said two-time All-Pro guard Joel Bitonio. “I wish I had an answer.”
