Don’t look now, but the Cleveland Browns are in the playoff picture. After the Browns’ heartbreaking 16-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens two weeks ago, things looked bleak in Berea. But now, after a 24-22 win over the Ravens on Sunday coupled with two Baltimore losses (along with some losses from other divisional foes), the Browns are back in the thick of the AFC playoff hunt. Here are our takeaways from the Browns’ biggest win of the year.
The Browns’ defense played its best game of the year.
From Myles Garrett’s strip-sack score (more on that in a second) to cornerback Denzel Ward’s game-ending stick, the Browns’ defense put together its most complete performance of the year. While it might not seem like it based off the final score, coordinator Joe Woods’ unit forced two turnovers (one of which went for a score), had four sacks and held on at the end despite having been on the field for most of the second half. Things obviously became easier after quarterback Lamar Jackson left in the second quarter with an ankle injury, but the Browns’ defense still did a good job limiting backup QB Tyler Huntley. That said, tight ends continue to be a problem for the Cleveland defense, as Mark Andrews totaled 115 yards receiving and a touchdown on 11 catches. In the Ravens’ two matchups against the Browns, Andrews totaled 170 yards and two touchdowns on 15 catches.
Myles Garrett, MVP?
Garrett’s second quarter strip-sack was special for a couple of reasons. First off, it gave Garrett his first career NFL touchdown, a milestone worth celebrating for any player, let alone one who has been the heart and soul of the Cleveland defense since he entered the NFL. Secondly, it gave him 15 sacks on the season, which sets a new Browns record. Garrett has pushed himself squarely into the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year honors, but in my opinion, he deserves some consideration for MVP. While we don’t think he’ll win it, his performance this season deserves some lower-place votes — even more so if he continues to rack up sacks in bunches.
The offense was working… until it wasn’t.
To quote one of the more overused sports cliches, it was a tale of two halves for the Browns’ offense. The Browns jumped out to a 24-6 lead in the first half, due in large part to strong play from quarterback Baker Mayfield, who had 143 yards passing and two touchdowns in the first half before only tallying 47 yards in the Browns’ scoreless second half. All the Browns’ second half struggles don’t fall squarely on Mayfield’s shoulders, however, as head coach Kevin Stefanski went conservative in his play-calling, which allowed the Ravens to claw back into the game. While we understand not wanting to run the risk of letting Baltimore’s explosive defense get a splash play, it’s almost a necessity to go for the throat in the second half of a divisional game.
It was a weird day for the wide receivers.
The Browns’ wide receiving unit continued its head-scratching season Sunday. After tallying only 10 yards receiving two weeks ago against the Ravens, Donovan Peoples-Jones led all Cleveland receivers with 90 yards receiving. Despite tight ends David Njoku and Harrison Bryant being out, Jarvis Landry was the only other wide receiver to tally a catch, totaling 41 yards receiving and a touchdown. Tight end Austin Hooper picked up some of the slack from Bryant and Njoku’s absence with 30 yards receiving and a touchdown. Running back Kareem Hunt’s injury seemed to impact the Browns’ passing attack, as Hunt had two catches for 13 yards before leaving with a first quarter ankle injury. It might not be all bad news, however, as ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Hunt could have returned in the second half.
The AFC North crown is there for the taking.
With their win and the Bengals’ loss, the Browns now sit at second in the AFC North at 7-6, one game back of the 8-5 Ravens. Cleveland is currently No. 8 in the AFC playoff picture, trailing the Buffalo Bills and Indianapolis Colts (both 7-6) for the final AFC Wild Card spots. The Browns take on the 6-7 Oakland Raiders next Saturday, while the Colts face off against the AFC-leading New England Patriots in the Saturday nightcap. In terms of the division, the Ravens face off against the Green Bay Packers in a game that could get even more interesting depending on the severity of Jackson’s injury.