Justin Tucker’s Field Goal Gives Baltimore Ravens 23-21 Win
Justin Tucker, Steve Smith and Joe Flacco made the big plays at the big moments to defeat the Cleveland Browns in dramatic fashion, 23-21.
Steve Smith caught an enormous 32-yard bomb from Flacco to put the Ravens in field goal range with the clock winding down. From there, the Ravens killed clock and let Tucker do what he does best, hit game-winning field goals.
Ask Ravens fans, though, and they’ll tell you it never should have been dramatic. They’re right.
If you’re looking for a scapegoat to blame for the Baltimore Ravens’ struggles, there are plenty of options.
Matt Elam is a worthy candidate after getting burned repeatedly throughout the game, culminated by blowing his coverage and missing a tackle on a 71-yard pass late in the game.
Maybe you want to blame Dean Pees, whose conservative play calling resulted in another zero-sack performance and plenty of yardage for the Cleveland Browns.
Whoever you blame, there is plenty to go around, especially on defense.
The Ravens’ defense made Brian Hoyer look like the second coming of Tom Brady, consistently allowing Hoyer to deliver easy strikes for big yardage. His final stat line pretty effectively tells the tale: 19-of-25 for 290 yards and a touchdown. That’s a passer rating of 127.1.
That said, give the defense credit for coming up with the big stop when they needed it most. On the Browns’ final drive, the defense stuffed Isaiah Crowell twice, then had great coverage on a Hoyer pass to force a punt.
Offensively, the Ravens moved the ball effectively at times but had too many negative plays. Torrey Smith had one of his worst games as a Raven, dropping several balls and producing a paltry 25 yards. In a contract year, Smith is failing to earn an extension.
The ground game was a bright spot for much of the game, as the Ravens produced 160 yards and a touchdown on 33 carries. Lorenzo Taliaferro led the way with 91 yards and a touchdown. Failure to convert in short-yardage situations, though, was an issue.
Flacco was sharp for much of the game, but delivered an ill-advised heave under pressure that was intercepted early in the fourth quarter. Flacco did take more shots in this game and was largely accurate on his deep throws. He finished 19-of-31 for 217 yards, one touchdown and an interception.
There will be plenty of well-deserved angst about this game, as the same issues continue to plague the Ravens this season on defense. But there are still enough bright spots, especially on offense, to come away with the win and keep fans happy.
Sep 21, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) is pressured by Cleveland Browns defensive end Desmond Bryant (92) during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports