It was a very atypical day for the prideful Ravens’ defense, which entered the game atop the NFL with just 13.8 points allowed per game, and one they struggled to wrap their minds around after the game.
“It’s a little humbling,” Hamilton said. “The past two homes games we’ve been treated to 30-point wins and we came out today and it was looking like that kind of game. I feel like guys kind of let off the gas a little bit.”
The Ravens have one of the best run defenses in the league and arguably the best inside linebacker duo in the league. The Browns were without their top three offensive tackles and running back Nick Chubb. Yet they still ran for 178 rushing yards against the Ravens – the most Baltimore has given up all season.
With the game on the line in the final minutes, Cleveland ran the ball into field goal range. Deshaun Watson got loose, as he did numerous times Sunday, for a 16-yard run. Then Jerome Ford, who piled up 107 rushing yards, got loose for another 12 yards, pushed forward by a mass of Browns blockers.
“It bothers you a lot,” outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney said. “We take pride on not giving up a lot of rushing yards in the run game and today they moved the ball very well on us up front and in the secondary.”
