The Browns are keeping it closer than most expected, but the Ravens have taken an early lead in a Thursday night defensive struggle in Baltimore.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Ravens finally got on the board with a six-play, 85-yard drive that culminated in an 18-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco to Torrey Smith. The Ravens, who missed the extra point after their touchdown, then extended their lead to 9-0 with a 45-yard field goal from Justin Tucker.
But the Browns’ offense finally showed a sign of life late in the second quarter with an 11-play, 94-yard drive that ended with Trent Richardson scoring from one yard out. Unfortunately for the Browns, that came on their sixth offensive possession -- after they had punted on their first five offensive possessions. The Browns would go on to punt on their next possession as well.
The Browns are going to need more than just one productive possession from their offense, or else the Ravens’ 9-7 halftime lead will prove to be insurmountable.