The Ravens dominated the Browns defense in the first half, pressured rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson into an interception, and used two Lamar Jackson touchdowns to take a 21-3 lead into the halftime.
Star quarterback Deshaun Watson was ruled out before kickoff with a shoulder contusion, and Baltimore has given Lamar Jackson enough time up front to capitalize on Cleveland’s mistakes or turnovers.
Buy Ravens TicketsWith the second half set to begin, here are key takeaways from the first half.
Ravens hurting at linebacker
With Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo out with injuries, Jeremiah Moon and Tavius Robinson got the start.
Jeremiah Moon and Tavius Robinson starting at OLB for Ravens. And Moon couldn't get off the block or set the edge on Ford's 23-yard run. He's bailed out by Cooper holding penalty.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) October 1, 2023
Ravens slow offensive start
The Browns top ranked defense has been dominant to start.
#Ravens start the game with 3-and-out on first two drives. Penalties and pass protection have been problems.
Baltimore had started the last 2 games with TDs on the opening drives. This time, Ravens have 20 total yards on first 2 drives.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) October 1, 2023
Baltimore changed the tempo, and logged 249 yard of total offense in a dominant first half.
Ravens defense gets a turnover
Cornerback Brandon Stephens intercepted a Dorian Thompson-Robinson pass down the deep left sideline intended for Amari Cooper.
This is what Ravens fans have been waiting to see from this defense 😌 pic.twitter.com/FfFWL2ThYM
— The Ravens Realm (@RealmRavens) October 1, 2023
Lamar Jackson rushing touchdown
Jackson had two in the first half.
TOUCHDOWN @Lj_Era8!!!!
Tune in on CBS / @ParamountPlus pic.twitter.com/b05XYp5sJR
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 1, 2023
Newest Ravens bringing pressure
Clowney has one tackle, and one tackle for loss. Van Noy has one pass defended and one quarterback hit.
Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy both have two pressures today, per @NextGenStats. DTR's been pressured on about a third of his drop-backs.
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) October 1, 2023
Justice Hill continues turnover woes
Turnovers continue to hurt Ravens offense.
Justice Hill fumbles off exchange with Lamar Jackson. Promising drive — Ravens were closing in on FG range — ends with Baltimore giving the ball to Cleveland at the Browns' 39-yard line.
This was Ravens' 4th lost fumble this year.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) October 1, 2023
Dorian Thompson-Robinson
The Browns rookie quarterback is 10 of 17 passing, for 60 yards and one interception.
Lamar Jackson
Jackson is 10-12 passing, for 146 yards and 1 passing touchdown.
Jackson always has two rushing touchdowns on the day.
Ravens rushing attack
Gus Edwards has 8 carries for 40 yards, while Justice Hill 3 carries for 33 yards. Lamar Jackson has 7 carries for 22 yards, and two rushing touchdowns.
Ravens build lead with efficient drive
Baltimore is up 14-3 after an 8-play, 93-yard drive capped off with another Lamar Jackson score.
Mark Andrews' dominance continues
Andrews has scored seven career touchdowns against the Browns, the most by any Ravens player ever vs. Cleveland.
He logged another one to close out the first half.
