Ravens Soar Past Browns 41-17 in AFC North Showdown

The Baltimore Ravens showcased exactly why they're considered Super Bowl contenders, demolishing their AFC North rivals, the Cleveland Browns, 41-17 at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens entered the season with one of the NFL's most explosive offenses, having tied for the third-highest touchdown production over the last three years, and they proved that point emphatically against Cleveland.

Meanwhile, the Browns came into this matchup with plenty of questions surrounding their quarterback situation. Veteran Joe Flacco got the starting nod over rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, but the 40-year-old signal-caller struggled to find rhythm against Baltimore's improved defense.

First Quarter: Defensive Battle

The opening quarter belonged to both defenses, with neither team finding the end zone. The Ravens struck first with a 43-yard field goal by Tucker Loop after a methodical drive that featured Lamar Jackson connecting with receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. Cleveland's offense, led by Flacco, managed to move the ball but couldn't capitalize on their opportunities. The quarter ended with Baltimore holding a slim 3-0 advantage.

Flacco showed flashes of his veteran savvy, completing passes to tight end David Njoku and rookie Harold Fannin Jr., but the Browns couldn't sustain drives. Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, who was brought in to fill the Nick Chubb role, had a quiet start with just a few carries.

Second Quarter: Ravens Break Through

Baltimore's explosive offense finally awakened in the second quarter. After blocking a Cleveland punt, the Ravens capitalized with a short touchdown pass from Jackson to receiver Wallace, extending their lead to 10-0. The blocked punt perfectly illustrated the difference in preparation and execution between these two teams.

Cleveland responded with their best drive of the half, as Flacco found Jerry Jeudy for a spectacular 26-yard completion and later connected with Njoku for crucial yards. The Browns managed to kick a 38-yard field goal before halftime, cutting Baltimore's lead to 10-3.

Third Quarter: Jackson Takes Control

The third quarter belonged entirely to Lamar Jackson and the Ravens' high-powered offense. Jackson opened the half with a beautiful 19-yard strike to Zay Flowers, who continued to emerge as the team's top receiving threat. After a Joe Flacco interception gave Baltimore excellent field position, Jackson punched in a 2-yard touchdown pass to Walker, pushing the lead to 17-3.

Cleveland showed some fight when Flacco connected with Cedric Tillman for an 18-yard touchdown pass, demonstrating the chemistry that made Tillman such a promising target last season. However, Baltimore answered right back, maintaining control at 24-10 entering the final quarter.

Fourth Quarter: Ravens Pull Away

Baltimore put the game away early in the fourth quarter with another Jackson touchdown pass, this time a 24-yard strike to Walker. The Ravens' balanced attack was too much for Cleveland's defense to handle.

The most memorable play came when Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith scooped up a Joe Flacco fumble and returned it 63 yards for a touchdown, extending Baltimore's lead to 38-10. Cleveland managed a late touchdown when backup quarterback Dillon Gabriel found Dylan Sampson for 8 yards, but it was far too little, too late.

Looking Ahead

This dominant performance validates Baltimore's championship aspirations and shows their retooled defense can complement their explosive offense. The Ravens proved they can maintain their historic offensive production while getting key stops when needed.

For Cleveland, this game highlighted the challenges of their quarterback situation and the growing pains expected with so many new faces in the backfield. The Browns will need to find more consistency if they hope to compete in the tough AFC North division.

Both teams will look to bounce back next week as they continue their 2025 campaigns in what promises to be another exciting NFL season.