Ravens’ QB hurt; Browns hang on
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 star 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 superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson with a sprained right ankle.
Garrett stripped Ravens 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’s a leader for our team. That’s what he’s got to do. He challenged everybody. Even though he challenged us, Myles, he’s going to come in and back it up.”
Garrett wasn’t worried about any negative feedback about his remarks. Teammates knew they were well intentioned.
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, a frightening sight for the AFC North-leading Ravens.
Coach John Harbaugh said Jackson will undergo further examination today.
Huntley spent much of the second half scrambling from trouble, but 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 fourthand-6 as 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 opened their 21-point lead late in the second quarter when Garrett set Cleveland’s single-season sacks record in style — scoring on the play after recording his 15th sack of 2021 to break Reggie Camp’s mark set in 1984.
With the Ravens at their own 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.
Moments after his TD, Garrett was shown on the videoboard. He shook his head and said, “I’m not done.”
Neither are the good one week badthe next Browns.