NFL Week 5: Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns Recap

Erik Drost via Flickr

NFL

New Look Browns Square Off Against Red Hot Ravens

Week 5 of the NFL season brought us an AFC North nail-biter. In a low-scoring game, it was tough sledding for both offenses. In Browns fashion, the clash ended up going into overtime. This matchup was previewed by TSJ earlier in the week.

First Half

The Baltimore Ravens began right where they left off in Week 4. Ravens running back Alex Collins jumpstarted the Ravens’ first drive with a 19-yard churn. A drop by Ravens wide receiver Michael Crabtree later in the drive would lead to a Baltimore punt.

Moreover, Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield would throw an interception to Ravens cornerback Tavon Young just four plays later. Just three plays later, Ravens kicker Justin Tucker nailed a 44-yard field goal. Baltimore strikes first blood, going up 3-0.

Scoring Drought

Three consecutive punts would follow a Tucker field goal. On the next drive, quarterback Joe Flacco would lead the Ravens on a 7-play, 50-yard drive. Highlighted by a 17-yard catch and run from Ravens wide receiver Willie Snead, Baltimore was in prime position to extend its lead to ten points. However, Flacco would subsequently throw an interception on the next play, only two yards from the end zone.

The next four drives would be all about field position. Baltimore punter Sam Koch would give the Ravens an edge in the battle for field position as the next four drives led to punts. A fourth consecutive punt from Cleveland, followed by a Baltimore punt, would cap off the scoring drought.

The Importance Of An Extra Point

On the following drive, Mayfield would lead the first scoring drive of the game. A 6-play, 78-yard drive, highlighted by two huge catches by tight end David Njoku would put the Browns on the board. Unfortunately, a Greg Joseph extra point would hit the right upright, making the score 6-3 Cleveland.

With only 40 seconds left in the half, Baltimore would put together an impressive 6-play, 50-yard drive. Justin Tucker, the NFL’s most successful kicker, would then attempt a 48-yard field goal to finish the drive off. The NFL Draft 2018 fourth overall pick Denzel Ward would surge towards Tucker and block the kick, leaving the score at 6-3 at halftime.

Second Half

Following a Browns punt, the Baltimore offense would face yet another turnover. A fumble by running back Javorious “Buck” Allen would put Cleveland in prime scoring position. Cleveland would settle for only a field goal, going up 9-3.

Baltimore would match Cleveland’s field goal, as a 13-play, 68-yard drive would stall out. Flacco went 6-7 on the drive, as the Ravens brought themselves back within three.

Down To The Wire

Five straight punts would follow a 68-yard Baltimore drive. With 4:29 remaining in the fourth, Baltimore would embark on an 11-play, 52-yard drive. The drive would stall, as Tucker would nail another field goal to nod the game up at 9. A missed 55-yard field goal by Joseph would send the game to overtime.

Overtime

Cleveland would get the first crack at overtime. Baltimore would instantly secure a three-and-out. However, a special teams holding penalty would put Baltimore in horrid field position.

Baltimore would respond with a 9-play drive. Yet, the drive would stall out at the Baltimore 45, leading to a Sam Koch punt. Cleveland’s subsequent drive was “lightning in a bottle.” A 5-play, 47-yard drive would have high upside, but end with a turnover on downs.

After a Baltimore punt, Cleveland would embark on a 7-play, 65-yard drive. A 37-yard Greg Joseph field goal would secure a 12-9 victory for Cleveland.

Fantasy Implications

In a game where it was tough sledding for both offenses, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins was the only player to put up 15+ points in PPR leagues. The Browns and Ravens defenses put up 7 & 8 points respectively in standard/PPR leagues. Ravens kicker Justin Tucker netted nine fantasy points in all leagues.

Photo Credit

Featured Image courtesy of Erik Drost

 

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