[2022] Browns Bulletin, Week 4 - Browns Don't Blink Under Bright Lights

[Piercewise1]

In their first prime time game of the season, the Cleveland Browns gutted out a close win against their archrivals, the Baltimore Ravens, by a score of 20-13. The Browns improved to 4-0 on the year, including 2-0 in the AFC North.

 

The Browns shut down a Ravens rushing attack that had averaged 171 yards per game over the first 3 weeks. QB David Chop ran 14 times for 38 yards, and James Taylor gained only 9 yards on his 12 carries. The Browns also forced three fumbles, though they weren’t able to recover any of them. ILB Harold Forst and SS James Hayes continued to impress after their featured performances against the Packers, sharing the team lead with 7 solo tackles apiece (Forst also had one of the forced fumbles).

 

Juan Mora carried the offense once again, racking up 192 yards and 2 TDs on 33 carries. James Rivera was quiet but consistent under center, completing 80% of his passes (17 of 21). TE Mark Lysek was his favorite target, with 8 catches for 86 yards. And rookie WR Marcus Ekstrom caught his first pass as a pro, a 16-yarder in the 2nd quarter.

 

The Browns host the 2-1 Dolphins in week 5 for what is expected to be their biggest test to date. The team’s first four opponents are a combined 5-11, and none ranked higher than 14th in the most recent Power Rankings. Little is flashy about Cleveland other than their 4-0 record, so the next few weeks will be crucial if the team intends to place themselves among the conference’s elite teams.

 

At least the Browns should have time on their side in this contest; they’ve had some extra rest after playing a Thursday night game, while the Dolphins just played on Monday Night Football. We’ll see if the extra recovery and prep time make a difference.