Baltimore Ravens outlast Browns in thriller, keep playoff hopes alive
The Baltimore Ravens’ dramatic win over the Browns was just what they needed.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson went to the locker room with cramps (or something else if you ask Twitter) but emerged to lead his team in the fourth quarter to a 47-42 win over the Cleveland Browns. The climactic touchdown pass to Marquise Brown pulled the Ravens ahead which was later punctuated by another drive and the game-winning Justin Tucker kick.
After the victory on Monday Night Football, the Ravens are still in the running for the playoffs although still outside right now as the No. 8 seed. However, in what many describe as the game of the year, it’s clear that Baltimore is far from out of the running.
Given the circumstances and the expectations for this team after the run they had last season, the 2020 record has been less than kind. A win like this however could very well be the spark needed for elevation. Over their history, Baltimore has done well while going on the road throughout the playoffs. Maybe this time can be no exception. Furthermore, Jackson has a lot to prove himself.
The Baltimore Ravens are not finished in the AFC and must be taken seriously
While it’s likely that the Pittsburgh Steelers will win the division, over the last three weeks, they have averaged 17 points. Not exactly what you would want from a team that had started out hot. In addition, Pittsburgh lost back to back games after an 11-0 start and showed major flaws in both defeats.
In the case of Baltimore, they were burdened by heavy expectations. On a night where they knew that the opponent was a running machine, they simply used their intangibles while also proving that until the clock reaches zero, no lead is safe.
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The season is far from finished and so far, Baltimore is currently eighth in the AFC. However, if at all they sneak into the postseason, they should not be taken lightly. The motivation from last season combined with their sense of urgency in a year of disproportion across the league makes them a valid contender in the AFC, and a win over a hot division rival only certifies it.