The Ravens picked up their first victory on Sunday, defeating the Cleveland Browns, 41-17, in their home opener behind a dominant defensive effort.
Here's how it happened:
Turning Point
Leading 13-3 early in the third quarter, cornerback Nate Wiggins intercepted Browns quarterback Joe Flacco and returned it 60 yards to set up the Ravens in the red zone. The Ravens then scored a touchdown four plays later to extend their lead to 20-3 and make a Browns comeback even more arduous. The takeaway marked Wiggins' second career interception, with his first being a 26-yard pick-six against the Browns last year.
Top Play
Lamar Jackson put his scrambling ability on display on the opening drive of the third quarter, evading pressure, rolling out to his left, and launching the ball to DeAndre Hopkins for a 41-yard, contested completion. While Hopkins was ruled down at the 1-yard line after the play was initially called a touchdown, the 33-year-old receiver later hit pay dirt in the fourth quarter on a 23-yard touchdown catch.
Scoring Summary
| Scoring Play | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Quarter | Ravens: (3:06), Tyler Loop 43-yard field goal | 3-0, Ravens |
| 2nd Quarter | Ravens: (11:13), Tylan Wallace 15-yard pass from Lamar Jackson | 10-0, Ravens |
| Browns: (0:29), Andre Szmyt 38-yard field goal | 10-3, Ravens | |
| 3rd Quarter | Ravens: (12:26), Tyler Loop 32-yard field goal | 13-3, Ravens |
| Ravens: (10:09), Devontez Walker 2-yard pass from Lamar Jackson | 20-3, Ravens | |
| Browns: (5:02), Cedric Tillman 18-yard pass from Joe Flacco | 20-10, Ravens | |
| 4th Quarter | Ravens: (13:26), Devontez Walker 24-yard pass from Lamar Jackson | 27-10, Ravens |
| Ravens: (8:19), Roquan Smith 64-yard fumble return | 34-10, Ravens | |
| Ravens: (4:43), DeAndre Hopkins 23-yard pass from Lamar Jackson | 41-10, Ravens | |
| Browns: (1:50), Dylan Sampson 8-yard pass from Dillon Gabriel | 41-17, Ravens |
Statistical Breakdown
Offensive Stats
| Ravens | Browns | |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Leader | Lamar Jackson (225 yards) | Joe Flacco (199 yards) |
| Receiving Leader | Zay Flowers (75 yards) | Jerry Jeudy (51 yards) |
| Rushing Leader | Derrick Henry (24 yards) | Quinshon Judkins (61 yards) |
Defensive Stats
| Ravens | Browns | |
|---|---|---|
| Sacks | 2 | 3 |
| Turnovers Forced | 2 | 0 |
Team Stats
| Ravens | Browns | |
|---|---|---|
| Time of Possession | 27:37 | 31:49 |
| Total Yards | 244 | 322 |
| Penalties | 6 for 28 | 6 for 41 |
| 3rd Down Efficiency | 3-of-12 | 7-of-18 |
| 1st Downs | 14 | 17 |
Stock Watch
ILB Roquan Smith
Roquan Smith was all over the field in Sunday's win. He returned a fumble to the house on a 63-yard scoop-and-score in the fourth quarter. Starting alongside fourth-round rookie Teddye Buchanan, Smith finished with a game-high 15 total tackles (three for loss) and two quarterback hits.
WR Devontez Walker
Walker has three catches in his career. All three are touchdowns. The second-year pass catcher found pay dirt twice on Sunday, first hauling in a 2-yard pass from Jackson during the third quarter. Walker then gave the Ravens a commanding 27-10 lead with a 24-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter. Walker is in a crowded receiver room, but the former fourth-round pick continues to make the most of his opportunities.
Special Teams
The Ravens received a boost from their special teams unit throughout the day. Inside linebacker Jake Hummel blocked a punt in the second quarter that resulted in a Tylan Wallace touchdown on the ensuing drive. LaJohntay Wester also had a strong day, returning a first-quarter punt 23 yards to help set up a Tyler Loop 43-yard field goal for the first points of the afternoon.
Up Next
The Ravens will host the Detroit Lions on "Monday Night Football" on Sept. 22.
