CLEVELAND — The Baltimore Ravens secured a dramatic 23-16 victory over the Cleveland Browns on November 5, 2023, thanks to a surprising fourth-quarter play that showcased their tenacity. With the game tied and only three minutes remaining, tight end Mark Andrews executed a surprising maneuver, sprinting for a touchdown after lining up under center for what appeared to be a routine play.
Despite the impressive performance of Myles Garrett, who recorded four sacks, the Browns could not overcome the Ravens’ resilience at Huntington Bank Field. The Ravens’ defense stifled quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who stepped in for the injured Dillon Gabriel, securing their fourth consecutive win.
The turning point came when the Ravens faced a crucial fourth-and-1 situation at the Browns’ 35-yard line. Instead of the expected run, Andrews dashed around the end, crossing into the end zone to give Baltimore a lead they would not relinquish. The Ravens’ defense then held firm, denying Sanders on a fourth-and-5 attempt from the Ravens’ 25-yard line, ultimately sealing the game.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson had a challenging outing, completing 14 of 25 passes for 193 yards and enduring five sacks. However, running back Derrick Henry proved pivotal, amassing 103 yards on 18 carries, including a 59-yard burst that set up a key field goal to narrow the score to 16-13.
Game Highlights and Key Moments
The Ravens entered the game looking to maintain their momentum in the playoff race, sitting just one game behind the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers. In contrast, the Browns aimed to build on their recent performances, hoping to secure a fourth win in five contests against Baltimore.
Early in the second quarter, Baltimore’s rookie punt returner LaJohntay Wester mishandled a punt, giving Cleveland an opportunity that led to a field goal. Following that, a sequence of errors allowed the Browns to extend their lead. A sack by Garrett on Jackson resulted in a turnover when a short pass attempt deflected off running back Mitchell into the hands of linebacker Devin Bush, who returned it for a touchdown, putting Cleveland ahead 13-3.
Despite these setbacks, the Ravens responded with determination, orchestrating a six-play, 63-yard touchdown drive capped by a one-yard run from Henry. The back-and-forth nature of the game continued, with the Browns adding a 46-yard field goal after the Ravens committed a critical offside penalty.
The third quarter saw more miscues from Baltimore, including a holding penalty that derailed a promising drive. On the following possession, Sanders threw an interception, but the Ravens quickly returned the favor when a pass intended for tight end Charlie Kolar was deflected, allowing linebacker Carson Schwesinger to intercept it.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Baltimore improved to 5-5 on the season, marking their first season sweep of Cleveland since 2020. The Ravens remain in contention for the playoffs, while the Browns fell to 2-8, showcasing the challenges they face as the season progresses.
The Ravens now set their sights on continuing this momentum as they move deeper into the season, while the Browns look to regroup after a disappointing outing in front of their home crowd. As the regular season approaches its final weeks, every game becomes increasingly critical for both teams.
