New York Daily News

Lamar hurt as Browns hang on to top Ravens

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BROWNS 24 RAVENS 22

CLEVELAND — Baker Mayfield threw two touchdown passes, Myles Garrett scored his first career TD and the Browns stayed in the thick of the playoff race, surviving Baltimore’s late comeback for a 24-22 victory Sunday over the Ravens, who lost superstar quarterbac­k Lamar Jackson with an ankle injury.

Healthier than he’s been in weeks following Cleveland’s bye, Mayfield connected with Jarvis Landry and Austin Hooper on first-half scores as the Browns (7-6) bounced back and beat the Ravens (8-5) after losing to them 15 days ago.

Of course it helped that Jackson went out with a sprained right ankle sustained on the first play of the second quarter and didn’t return. The former NFL MVP was unable to put any weight on the ankle, a frightenin­g and concerning sight for the AFC North-leading Ravens, who have been overrun by injuries this season. Jackson was replaced by backup Tyler Huntley.

The Ravens lacked the offensive explosiven­ess Jackson provides, and Huntley spent much of the second half scrambling from trouble.

However, he kept Baltimore close and the Ravens, who trailed 24-6 at half, pulled within 24-22 on Huntley’s 8-yard TD pass to Mark Andrews with 1:17 to go.

Baltimore then recovered an onside kick, but couldn’t convert on fourth-and-6 as Browns cornerback Denzel Ward tackled receiver Rashod Bateman well short of the marker.

Ravens kicker Justin Tucker made field goals of 50, 42 and 55 yards.

The Browns took a 24-3 lead late in the first half when Garrett set Cleveland’s single-season sacks record in style — scoring on the play.

With the Ravens at their own 20, Garrett got around left tackle Alejandro Villanueva and knocked the ball free from Huntley as he tried to pass. Garrett scooped it up and rumbled down the left sideline for the score.

Moments later, when Garrett, who last week wondered if his teammates were as focused as needed for the matchup with Baltimore, was shown on the giant scoreboard, the star shook his head and said, “I’m not done.”

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