Cleveland stays in contention; Jackson out with ankle sprain
CLEVELAND — Myles Garrett wasn’t going to let this season escape his grasp — or get away from the Browns.
Displeased with an overall lack of focus during practice last week, Cleveland’s defensive end spoke up and challenged his teammates, urging them to do more, pushing them to be better.
Garrett backed up his words. He scored his first career TD and Baker Mayfield threw two touchdown passes as the Browns stayed in the thick of the AFC playoff race, surviving Baltimore’s late comeback for a 24-22 win Sunday over the Ravens, who lost quarterback Lamar Jackson with a sprained right ankle.
Garrett stripped backup QB Tyler Huntley, scooped up the fumble and rambled 15 yards for a TD in the first half as the Browns (7-6) built a 24-3 lead and held off the injury-riddled Ravens (8-5).
Following Friday’s practice, Garrett made some pointed comments toward his teammates that some interpreted as trouble inside Cleveland’s locker room. Instead, it seemed to be a message of inspiration.
“That’s the type of player Myles is,” said cornerback Denzel Ward, who made a tackle to stop Baltimore’s final drive. “He challenged everybody. Even though he challenged us, Myles, he’s going to come in and back it up, though, as well.”
Garrett said he didn’t worry about any negative feedback about his remarks. His teammates knew they were well intentioned.
“I’ve got to stand there for what I want out of this team and what we want to achieve, and if I have a vision, I want everybody to be part of it and I’m going to lead it,” he said.
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 avoided fading out of the playoff picture.
Of course, it helped that Jackson went down on the first play of the second quarter and didn’t return.
The 2019 NFL MVP was unable to put any weight on the ankle and left the stadium in a protective boot. Head coach John Harbaugh said Jackson will undergo further examination Monday.
The Browns opened their 21-point lead late in the second quarter when Garrett set Cleveland’s season sacks record in style — scoring on the play.
With the Ravens at their 20, Garrett got around left tackle Alejandro Villanueva and knocked the ball free from Huntley. Garrett scooped it up and went down the left sideline for the score.