Cleveland Browns Week 14 Instant Reaction: Defense stands out in huge win

Cleveland Browns offense wakes up in the first half

The team has been struggling to score points over the last couple of months, but finally produced a couple of touchdowns early in the game and were able to extend the lead to 24-6 by the break at halftime. Quarterback Baker Mayfield played well in the first half where he went 16 for 20 for 143 yards and two touchdown throws.

He spread the wealth in the first half hitting Hooper for five catches, wide receiver Jarvis Landry four times, including a nine-yard touchdown catch, and wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones three times for 73 yards. For the game, Mayfield finished going 22 for 32 for 190 yards.

The run game got going a bit more than the two teams’ previous matchup where the Browns running backs were stopped cold. Running back Nick Chubb finally was able to get a few positive yards in the second half and finished with 17 carries and 59 yards rushing.

D’Earnest Johnson came in late in the first half, filling in for an injured Kareem Hunt, and got a few nice runs as well in the second half. He had a nice 13-yard run in that second half.

The second half for the offense though was a reminder of just how inconsistent this team can be and they are fortunate that the Ravens were without their star quarterback Lamar Jackson and that the Browns defense bailed them out all game.

Even after a recovered onside kick by the Ravens with a little over a minute to play, the defense got the stops necessary to preserve the win.