Cleveland Browns vs. Ravens first half full of lows, few highs

The Cleveland Browns had a forgettable first half

This is it, finally, Cleveland Browns versus Baltimore Ravens, real football, and we did not get cheated for our entertainment dollar. This was the most exciting, action-packed, and often error-filled first half in years.

Both the Ravens and the Browns are determined to make their living on the ground and it starts with the big guys up front, just like the old days. Football may have other elements, but sometimes it is still our big guys against your big guys, strength versus strength. Everybody brought their hard hats and lunch pails and were prepared for work.

The  Browns were able to move the ball with Nick Chubb. Ravens volleyball team tipped Mayfield’s pass a  few times until Marlon Humphrey brought it down for an interception. Field General Lamar Jackson marched his purple hoarded down the field and turned it into points via a five-yard touchdown pass to tight end Mark Andrews.

This author mentioned earlier in the week that Jamie Gillan, the Scottish Hammer,  had some trick plays in his repertoire, but not necessarily for the first quarter. Gillan carried the ball on a fake punt which was short, and then he fumbled for good measure. The missed block by new Brown Andrew Sendejo did not help. After the game, please check the film to see if Gillan was in a punter’s stance or if he gave the fakeaway by coming out of his normal stance. Coach, that felt like Whoopty Hell. Baltimore 10, Cleveland 0.

Jarvis Landry finally got the Browns started with a 16-yard reception which was followed almost immediately by a 29-yard run from Nick Chubb, a six-yard pass to Austin Hooper, and a 22-yard run from Kareem Hunt.  A few plays later, Mayfield connected with a TD pass to David Njoku, with Austin Seibert following with a missed extra point.

Aided by a bomb from Jackson to Marquise Brown, the Ravens were knocking on the door again at the Browns 7-yard line.  Huge fullback Patrick Ricard was stripped by Larry Ogunujobi, and Myles Garrett recovered. The Browns move the ball, reaching the Ravens 26-yard line at one point but penalties and a sack led to a fourth down and 41 yards to go.   Chuck Clark almost picked off
Mayfield again. Tavierre Thomas downed the ensuing punt at the Ravens one-yard line.

However, the Ravens put together an incredible 99-yard drive culminating in a touchdown by rookie running back from Ohio State, J.K. Dobbins. That drive featured short passes to Marquise Brown for 21 yards, Mike Boykin for 25 yards, and former Brown Willie Snead for 16 yards.   Dobbins mixed in some runs and Ricard added a nine-yard reception. There was no single giant play, just a consistent drive for the entire length of the field.  Ravens 17, Browns 6.

Cleveland moved the ball, highlighted by a great catch by Njoku. However, OBJ dropped a wide-open pass at the 20, and Seibert missed a field goal attempt with 41 seconds left.

With another possession, Jackson was able to hit wide-open receivers to drive down the field to the nine-yard line.  Mark Andrews caught his second touchdown pass. 24-6 at the half.

The Browns look like they are in good shape to hold the Ravens under 100 points this game.