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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
glenn erby

Takeaways and highlights from first half as Ravens hold a 17-9 lead over Browns

The Browns out-gained the Ravens 174-168 in the first half.

They also had 41 offensive plays to the Ravens 25 and 98 rushing yards to Baltimore’s 62, yet still trailed 17-9 at halftime.

Both defensive units were stout in the first half, but the Ravens were able to turn big plays from rookie running back Keaton Mitchell into scores.

With the third quarter set to begin, we’re looking at takeaways from the first half.

Kyle Hamilton Strkes First

Nov 12, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) returns a interception for a first quarter touchdown against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The dynamic safety played close to the line with Geno Stone and Marcus Williams on the backend, and he struck early, deflecting a Deshaun Watson pass and returning it 18 yards for a touchdown.

Hamilton finished the first half with 3 tackles and one pass defended along with the pick six off Deshaun Watson.

Keaton Mitchell is a difference maker

Nov 12, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (34) runs for a first quarter touchdown against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Mitchell has 177 yards and two touchdowns in his last 10 carries after taking his first touch against Cleveland 35 yards for a touchdown.

The undrafted rookie from ECU could put the Baltimore offense on another planet going down the stretch.

Mitchell finished the first half with two rushes for 32 yards and a touchdown. He also produced in the passing game, logging 1 catch for 32 yards.

Kyle Van Noy cost baltimore points

(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Dustin Hopkins put the Browns on the board with a 36-yard field goal, and they stopped the bleeding, trailing 14-3 at the 7:27 mark of the fist quarter.

Todd Monken mixing things up

Nov 12, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (34) celebrates after scoring a first quarter touchdown against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Monken ran a creative screen and utilized Keaton Mitchell as a pass catcher on the outside.

Mitchell had two early touches for 70+ yards.

Jadeveon Clowney gets some early revenge

(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Clowney is up to 4.5 sacks on the season, and is among the league leaders in QB pressures.

In the first half, Clowney has 5 tackles, 1 sack, 2 TFL, and 1 QB hit.

Lamar Jackson

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 12: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to pass against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)

Jackson was efficient and mistake free and until a late second quarter interception while targeting Rashod Bateman. In the first half, Jackson was 8-13 passing (8.5 AVG), for 111 yards and 1 interception.

Jackson was quiet as a rusher, carring the ball twice fro 12 yards.

Deshaun Watson

Nov 12, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA;Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) passes against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

Watson was 6-of-20 for 79 yds, 1 INT; 6 rushes for 18 yards before exiting the game with an injury.

Browns not converting red zone trips

(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Cleveland has outgained Baltimore on the road and they’d be winning if they were able to convert into touchdowns.

Ravens three headed monster

(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

It appears that halfway through the first half, Justice Hill has taken a step back in the pecking order at running back.

Gus Edwards led all Ravens ball carriers with 6 rushes.

Ravens getting gashed on the ground

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 12: Jerome Ford #34 of the Cleveland Browns is tackled by Marlon Humphrey #44 of the Baltimore Ravens and Patrick Queen #6 during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Jerome Ford led all ball carries with 11 rushes for 75 yards (6.8 AVG).

Ravens pass catchers

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 12: Odell Beckham Jr. #3 of the Baltimore Ravens takes a photo with fans before the game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)

The normally dominant Mark Andrews has 1 catch for 8 yards, while Zay Flowers has 3 catches for 44 yards on 4 targets.

Odell Beckham and Neslon Agholor have been held without catches.

Ravens defense

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 12: Jerome Ford #34 of the Cleveland Browns is tackled by Marlon Humphrey #44 of the Baltimore Ravens and Patrick Queen #6 during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Baltimore has allowed 10 first downs, the Browns are 3-9 on third downs and have run 41 plays, 15 more than the Ravens.

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