Cleveland Browns Back Up Their Talk with Big Division Win Over Baltimore Ravens
In an intense divisional matchup, the Cleveland Browns proved their mettle by coming back from a double-digit deficit to defeat the Baltimore Ravens with a final score of 33-31. The victory didn’t just mark an important win for the Browns; it also revealed the power of backing up one’s words on the field.
The Ravens’ linebacker, Roquan Smith, had made some strong comments about the Browns before their first encounter earlier this season. Smith had confidently stated that the Ravens would go to Cleveland and beat their tails in front of their wife and kids. While some might have been bothered by these remarks, Browns edge rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo took it all in stride, believing that trash talk was just part of the game.
And boy, did the Browns defense have a response for Smith and the Ravens after their big win. Multiple members of the Browns defense couldn’t resist bringing up Smith’s comments, showing that they had indeed earned their right to talk and back it up.
Our attitude is simple: say whatever you want, but you better be able to back it up, Okoronkwo said. We were able to do that today, and it feels good to get our revenge.
Smith had initially discussed embracing the role of the villain when playing on enemy turf, emphasizing the determination and fight required to win. The Browns took these comments to heart, using them as motivation and bulletin board material before their first matchup with the Ravens on October 1st. Unfortunately, that game ended in a 28-3 victory for the Ravens, who took advantage of the Browns playing without star quarterback Deshaun Watson.
However, the Browns didn’t forget Smith’s words, and they carried that motivation into the rematch. Facing a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter, the Browns mounted an impressive comeback, propelled by an outstanding performance from Watson, who completed 14 consecutive passes in the second half.
The Browns defense also came up big when it mattered most. Greg Newsome II made a crucial pick-six, and Jordan Elliott blocked a field goal that proved to be a game-changing play. Additionally, the defense sacked Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson three times, with Myles Garrett accounting for 1.5 of them. They also recorded six quarterback hits and deflected six passes, showing their dominance throughout the game.
The revenge factor was evident in the Browns’ play, with cornerback Newsome acknowledging the team’s motivation to prove themselves after being disrespected. We always take disrespect and keep it with us, he said. It wasn’t something we talked about explicitly, but we used it for extra fuel.
In the end, the Browns’ defense stepped up, holding off the Ravens’ attempts to regain the lead. With critical stops and effective third-down defense, the Browns ensured that the Ravens didn’t get the ball back, securing their much-deserved victory.
The win not only marked a significant divisional triumph for the Browns but also showcased their determination and ability to back up their talk. It serves as a reminder that in the NFL, words can motivate and fuel performance, making every game a battle of wills and skills.
Looking ahead, the Browns can take pride in their win but must stay focused as they continue their journey through the season. As defensive tackle Jordan Elliott said, Now we’re just looking forward to next week.
