7 takeaways from first half as Ravens hold a 14-3 lead over the Browns in Week 18
Baltimore holds a 14-3 lead over Cleveland in the season finale, but all fans and experts can wonder is whether Zay Flowers sustained a serious injury when he was forced to exit with a knee injury.
Flowers had one catch on two targets before exiting, and his injury came shortly after Rashod Bateman was slow to get up after a big hit. Even with the Browns playing stout defense, the Ravens are 30 minutes from clinching the AFC North.
Lamar Jackson
Jan 4, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) makes a pass during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Jackson became the only player in NFL history to amass 4,000 yards passing and 800 rushing yards. Jackson has 108 yards on 10-21 passes and one touchdown. Jackson has six carries for 59 yards.
Ravens rushing attack
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 04: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens hands off to Derrick Henry #22 during the first quarter /acl at M&T Bank Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Derrick Henry has six carries for eight yards, and the Ravens have been held to 76 yards rushing in the first half.
Browns defensive line
Jan 4, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball during the second quarter against Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit (9) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
If not for an Andrew Wiggins pick-six off Bailey Zappe, Baltimore would be up 7-3, and the Browns’ defense has been impressive. Baltimore is 4-8 on third downs, 0-3 on fourth downs, and Cleveland has held the Ravens to 184 yards on 35 plays.
Bailey Zappe
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 17: Bailey Zappe #2 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on November 17, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
The veteran quarterback is 5-11 passing for 55 yards, one interception, and a 22.9 rating.
Ravens defense
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 04: Jordan Akins #88 of the Cleveland Browns is tackled by Nate Wiggins #2 of the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Baltimore has held a battered Cleveland offense to 94 yards, 1-6 on third downs and 3.5 yards per play.
Browns offense
Dec 29, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Bailey Zappe (2) throws the ball during warm ups before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Cleveland has 94 yards on offense, 30 rushing yards and 3.5 yards per play.
Roquan Smith
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 04: Roquan Smith #0 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Smith has lost a step but he’s still among the most productive linebackers in the NFL and registered his 1,000th tackle on Sunday.
