BALTIMORE (AP) — Lamar Jackson threw two touchdown passes, and the Baltimore Ravens secured the AFC North for the second consecutive season by defeating the Cleveland Browns 35-10 on Saturday. The win clinches the division for the Ravens (12-5), who will host their playoff opener against either the Los Angeles Chargers or the Pittsburgh Steelers. This victory was particularly dramatic, as the Ravens were trailing the Steelers by two games but managed to win their final four games to finish on top.
The Browns ended their disappointing season with six straight losses, wrapping up the year at 3-14. Quarterbacks Bailey Zappe and Dorian Thompson-Robinson struggled to generate offense during this season finale. The game started grimly for the Browns, as Zappe had an interception returned 26 yards for a touchdown by rookie Nate Wiggins, marking the game’s opening points.
The health of Pro Bowl receiver Zay Flowers was among the Ravens' primary concerns as he left the field with a right knee injury during the second quarter. Jackson, who threw scoring passes to Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman, capped off what could be his third MVP-worthy season. He concluded the season with remarkable statistics: 4,172 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. This achievement makes him the first quarterback to reach 4,000 passing yards alongside 40 touchdowns and four or fewer interceptions.
Adding to his impressive season, Jackson also rushed for 915 yards, making him the first quarterback to achieve both 4,000 passing yards and at least 800 rushing yards. With a passer rating of 119.6, he narrowly missed breaking Aaron Rodgers’ single-season record of 122.5. Bailey Zappe threw for 170 yards with two interceptions, contributing to the Browns' lack of success. Zappe's only successful scoring pass came with 16-yards to Jordan Akins, which brought the score to 21-10 during the fourth quarter.
Not to be outdone, Ravens' running back Derrick Henry, who celebrated his 31st birthday on game day, contributed significantly with two touchdown runs, solidifying the Ravens' lead and sealing the victory. He finished the game with 1,921 rushing yards for the season, earning the title of franchise record-holder with 16 rushing touchdowns.
The Browns’ season lacked momentum on both sides of the ball. This loss added to their dubious history, as they have now gone 28 consecutive games without allowing a single opponent to pass for 300 yards. Jackson completed his day going 16 for 32 passes, amassing 217 yards. The injury list for the Browns grew during the game, with key players like defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. carted off with knee issues, and cornerback injuries raising concerns moving forward.
Looking forward, the Ravens' postseason opener will be significant, potentially featuring a coaching matchup between John Harbaugh and brother Jim Harbaugh (Chargers' coach). The Ravens are eager to make their mark and are hoping to capitalize on their winning momentum going straight to the playoffs.
Cleveland, still reeling from their quarterback instability, has the offseason to reflect on their performance and look toward the upcoming draft to address their needs. This bitter end to the season marks another chapter for the Browns, who have much to improve upon heading forward.
With the playoffs approaching, all eyes will be on Jackson's continued excellence, as well as Bateman's evolution from being seen as a potential draft bust to becoming pivotal for Baltimore's playoff aspirations. While doubts lingered, Bateman proved himself as he’s recorded eight touchdowns and reliable yardage consistently, making him invaluable going forward.
The Ravens are ready to embrace the challenges of the playoffs, needing players like Bateman and the rest of the squad to maintain their upward trend. The anticipation surrounding their first playoff game is palpable, with supporters hopeful this may be the year the Ravens make significant playoff advancements.