Another Cleveland Browns win and another late-game comeback. This time, the Browns overcame their rival Baltimore Ravens to win 13-10. Cleveland fought back with its strong defense after falling behind 10-0 early. The team is building an unusual reputation for late-game heroics. How long Cleveland can continue this trend is anyone's guess.
At the moment, the Browns sit atop the AFC North with a 4-2 record, something they haven't done this late into the season since 2014. With time expiring, Browns kicker Andre Szmyt nailed a 37-yard field goal for the team's fourth win in five games.
Let's dive a little bit deeper into each position group and give out grades for this big home win.
Cleveland's defense and special teams continue to cover for an offense searching for answers
Quarterback
Deshaun Watson looked lost for most of this game. He was overthrowing passes. He was scrambling into sacks. His team had multiple three-and-outs in the first half. He only threw for 24 yards on three completions in the half and his offense only had 46 yards by halftime.
It was a dud and the boo birds were out by the break.
Things changed some in the third quarter as he helped lead his squad down the field for a field goal. The Browns had more first downs on that 10-play drive than they did in the entire first half.
By the fourth quarter, Watson began making better passes. The big play was a nice 33-yard pass to wide receiver Jerry Jeudy that helped set up the game-winning field goal.
Grade: C
Running backs
The Browns had Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin running the ball on Sunday after regular starter Quinshon Judkins was ruled out with an ankle injury. McLaughlin finished with 41 yards on nine carries. Estime had 19 yards on nine carries, one of them a huge 2-yard touchdown that helped the Browns tie the Ravens, 10-10, late in the fourth quarter.
Considering that neither is a regular player, they both did just enough to help Cleveland keep the chains moving in that important second-half comeback.
Grade: C
Wide receivers / Tight ends
There weren't many highlights from this group on Sunday against the Ravens. They did, however, make a few plays in the late stages of the game that helped provide a spark.
The biggest highlight was Jerry Jeudy's 33-yard catch and sprint to the sideline as the clock ran down in regulation. Jeudy ended up catching four passes on the day for 69 yards. He's been speculated to be on the trading block for weeks so it was nice to see him make a few big plays in this game.
KC Concepcion had four catches for 37 yards. His big catch happened in the third quarter when he caught a pass from Watson for 17 yards. That helped his team get in position to kick a field goal.
It was another quiet day for tight end Harold Fannin Jr. as he only had one catch for nine yards.
Grade: B-
Offensive line
The line protected their quarterback Watson as best it could. Watson continued to scramble out of what looked to be good protection at times. Watson was sacked five times in this game mostly because of bad habits, like when he tucks and runs too early.
The offensive line didn't do much to open holes for their new running backs either but, again, they did just enough. On the rushing score by Estime, the line did a good job of holding their blocks.
There is still a lot to be desired with this group, but it is getting better.
Grade: C
Defensive line
Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger said after the game that the Browns' front four was generating so much pressure that it made things easier for him and fellow linebacker Quincy Williams to clean up on the second level.
Williams got a sack because of that line pressure. Linemen Isaiah McGuire and Maliek Collins also notched sacks in the game.
Grade: B
Linebackers / Defensive backs
These groups continue to be the best for the Browns. Schwesinger and Williams continued their dominance with a combined 19 tackles. Schwesinger also forced a huge fumble late in the game.
The cornerbacks, Tyson Campbell, Denzel Ward and Myles Harden, played very well in this game. They had multiple deflections and a couple near-miss interceptions.
Safety Emmanuel McNeil Warren also played well with six tackles. He nearly grabbed an interception late in the game that might have gone for a touchdown.
Grade: A
Special teams
This group was back to being good after the previous week's meltdown in New Jersey. Szmyt hit the game-winning 37-yard field goal with no time left to help his team to victory. He also made a big 48-yard field goal in the third quarter and went 2-3 on his attempts overall.
Punter Corey Bojorquez was also good in this game, hitting seven punts with a 45-yard average. He placed two punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. He placed one punt down at the 2.
The game-winner always results in an A!
Grade: A
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