Here’s how the Ravens (12-5) graded out at every position after a 35-10 win over the Browns on Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore that clinched a second straight AFC North title:
Quarterback
Lamar Jackson missed some receivers early and throughout the game, but he threw some good passes as well, including a 30-yard strike to tight end Mark Andrews in the third quarter. But overall, it was not a sharp game by Jackson or the offense, even though Jackson rushed nine times for 63 yards. He left quite a few of his receivers vulnerable to hits with questionable passes, completing 16 of 32 attempts for 217 yards and two touchdowns. A lot of Jackson’s stats were the result of Cleveland’s poor defense, which seemed to give up in the second half because the Browns had no offense. Grade: C-
Running backs
The Ravens used Henry very little in the first half and Jackson seemed more like the primary ball carrier. The Ravens went to Henry more in the second half, and he finished with 138 yards on 20 carries, including a long of 43 yards. The Ravens had more of a running game when Henry was teamed up in the backfield with fullback Patrick Ricard, and the Ravens left little doubt about their intentions. The Ravens need to get more out of their star running back, who, like Jackson, stayed in the game too long. Grade: C
Offensive line
Even without starting defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, the Browns held the Ravens’ running game in check early in the game, though Cleveland was down to its No. 3 and No. 4 starting tackles. The Ravens will always struggle against teams with a dominant front four. This group’s forte is run blocking, and when the Ravens can’t find that groove, they have problems pass blocking. Grade: C-
Receivers
The Ravens gave an average effort. They dropped quite a few passes but also bailed Jackson out with a couple of strong catches. The Ravens lost slot receiver Zay Flowers to a knee injury early in the second quarter, and that was significant. Andrews had four catches for 54 yards and a touchdown, while Rashod Bateman had five for 76 yards and score. Regardless, Jackson and this group were out of sync. A better effort will be needed in the postseason. Grade: C-
Defensive line
The Ravens stymied the Browns’ running game, which was without injured starter Nick Chubb. Starting running back D’Onta Foreman had few holes and finished with only 27 yards on 10 carries. He had no room on the inside, and the Ravens closed the gaps on the outside as well. Tackles Nnamdi Madubuike had four tackles. The play of the game belonged to nose guard Michael Pierce, who intercepted a pass from Bailey Zappe in the fourth quarter. Pierce slid and went down after the pick, but it’s highly unlikely the 355-pound man was going to motor 80 yards for a touchdown. The Ravens were consistent in maintaining lane integrity, leaving Zappe few holes to step up in the pocket. Grade: A
Linebackers
The Ravens’ game plan was simple from the start. They stacked the line of scrimmage with linebackers Roquan Smith, Chris Board and Malik Harrison and dared the Browns to beat them. Zappe couldn’t. Smith finished with 10 tackles and blitzed often. The defensive line was successful in keeping the Browns off the inside linebackers. The Ravens had three sacks and five quarterback hurries but were far from dominant. Zappe lacked the proper arm strength to throw outside the numbers. Grade: B
Secondary
Rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins returned an interception 26 yards for a touchdown midway through the first quarter. The Ravens’ cornerbacks had no problems shadowing Cleveland receivers, even though the Browns had some open players in the middle of the field. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey (five tackles) played well, and so did safeties Ar’Darius Washington (four tackles) and Kyle Hamilton (three). Cornerback Brandon Stephens had some good moments but still needs to turn around and find the ball. He did finish with three tackles. Grade: A-
Special teams
Jordan Stout had four punts for an average of 44.8 yards, including a long of 70. The Ravens had Keaton Mitchell returning kickoffs, and he returned one for 47 yards. Justin Tucker didn’t have any field goal attempts, but there should have been several opportunities. It would have been interesting to see him perform, even though he has kicked well lately. Rookie safety Sanoussi Kane had a big hit on a kickoff return, and Wiggins also played well on those units, but Kaden Davis did break a 40-yard return for the Browns. Grade: B+
Coaching
There is a popular theory in Baltimore that the Ravens play down to their competition, but they simply got too cute against the Browns. Instead of gambling on fourth down, there were times when they could have easily kicked field goals to build comfortable leads, but they got too cute. Instead of trying pass plays, just run the ball. Coach John Harbaugh also kept his starters in the game way too long, a sign that he was more interested in building up statistics than avoiding injuries to his players. He kept throwing on the Browns late in the game, and Henry was in way too long. That’s a shame. In fact, it’s ridiculous. The Ravens also had 10 penalties for 83 yards. It was a disappointing effort by a team from which much more is expected. Grade: D-
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