CLEVELAND — The Baltimore Ravens edged out the Cleveland Browns 23-16 in a tightly contested game on November 5, 2023. Late-game strategy and a surprising play propelled the Ravens to their fourth consecutive victory, keeping them in contention for the playoffs.
With the score tied at 16 and less than three minutes remaining, Baltimore faced a crucial fourth-and-1 from the Browns’ 35-yard line. Tight end Mark Andrews, who lined up under center for what appeared to be a familiar “tush push” play, executed a clever misdirection. Instead of the expected short yardage run, Andrews dashed around the right side and scored a touchdown, giving the Ravens a pivotal lead.
The Ravens’ defense then proved their mettle against Shedeur Sanders, who stepped in for the injured Dillon Gabriel. Sanders, a rookie quarterback, struggled to find his rhythm as he faced intense pressure. With just over a minute left in the game, Sanders attempted a fourth-and-5 pass from the Ravens’ 25-yard line, only for linebacker Roquan Smith to deflect the ball, sealing the victory for Baltimore.
Despite a strong defensive performance from the Browns, led by Myles Garrett, who recorded four sacks, the team fell to a disappointing 2-8 record. Baltimore’s quarterback, Lamar Jackson, finished the game with 193 passing yards but faced significant challenges, including five sacks.
The Ravens’ running back Derrick Henry contributed significantly to the win, amassing 103 yards on 18 carries. His performance included a crucial 59-yard run late in the third quarter, which set up a field goal by Tyler Loop. Loop’s kick narrowed the Ravens’ deficit to 16-13 before he added a 44-yard field goal shortly after.
Both teams struggled throughout the game with turnovers and missed opportunities. The Browns capitalized on an early fumble by Ravens’ rookie punt returner LaJohntay Wester, recovering the ball and converting it into a field goal. A subsequent interception by linebacker Devin Bush put Cleveland ahead 13-3 after a series of mistakes from Baltimore.
Despite the rocky start, the Ravens regrouped and managed to mount a successful six-play, 63-yard touchdown drive, featuring a 45-yard completion to Zay Flowers that set up a short rushing touchdown by Henry.
The game showcased a tense battle between two division rivals, with Baltimore managing to sweep the Browns for the season for the first time since 2020. As they improve to 5-5, the Ravens remain just one game behind the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers, who secured a win against the Cincinnati Bengals earlier in the day.
With seven weeks remaining in the regular season, the Ravens demonstrated resilience and adaptability, crucial attributes as they strive for a playoff berth. The Browns, on the other hand, face mounting challenges as they aim to turn their season around amidst a disappointing record.
