The Good, Bad & Ugly: Browns Edge Ravens 24-22 in Crucial AFC North Battle

The Good, Bad & Ugly: Browns Edge Ravens 24-22 in Crucial AFC North Battle

By Michael Harrison

December 9, 2024 at 07:10 AM

The Cleveland Browns defeated the Baltimore Ravens 24-22 at FirstEnergy Stadium in a crucial AFC North matchup. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the game's key aspects:

The Good:

  • Browns remain in playoff contention with improved AFC North odds (+180)
  • Myles Garrett's dominant defensive performance potentially saved the game
  • Defense effectively contained Ravens offense, even after Lamar Jackson's early ankle injury
  • Browns could take first place in AFC North if they beat Raiders and Ravens lose to Packers

The Bad:

  • Special teams struggles continued:
    • Two fumbled punts by Demetric Felton
    • Missed field goal by Chase McLaughlin
    • Botched onside kick recovery by Andy Janovich
  • Recurring 12 men on field penalty
  • Kareem Hunt ankle injury (doubtful for Raiders game)

The Ugly:

  • Offensive performance declined sharply after strong first half
  • Conservative play-calling by Kevin Stefanski after 24-point first half
  • Baker Mayfield publicly criticized conservative offensive approach
  • Team managed only 100 rushing yards despite using three running backs
  • Browns scored just seven points in their last eight fourth quarters
  • Reports of player dissatisfaction with Stefanski's play-calling emerged

This victory keeps the Browns' playoff hopes alive despite continued offensive and special teams challenges that need addressing for sustained success.

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