BALTIMORE — The Ravens secured a division-clinching victory against the Browns in a game that unfolded largely as anticipated. However, a concerning incident arose during the second quarter, which could create significant challenges for Baltimore’s high-powered offense.
Zay Flowers, the team’s leading receiver, suffered a knee injury during the match and was unable to return. Following the game, Head Coach John Harbaugh expressed cautious optimism but noted that an MRI would be forthcoming to assess the situation. Despite their early setbacks, the Ravens concluded the regular season with a 12-5 record, slightly behind their 2023 mark but without the benefit of a first-round bye since they will enter the playoffs as the No. 3 seed in the AFC, set to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in their opening playoff game.
With the playoffs on the horizon, time is of the essence for Flowers to recover. Throughout the season, the Pro Bowl receiver achieved impressive stats, securing 74 receptions, amassing 1,059 receiving yards, and scoring four touchdowns. At one point, Baltimore trailed Pittsburgh by two games in the AFC North but finished strong with a four-game winning streak, while the Steelers stumbled with four consecutive losses.
“It’s a week-to-week league, and you really just have to take it one week at a time, one day at a time, one play at a time, and our guys have done a really good job of holding onto that,” Harbaugh commented. “That 1-0 T-shirt that we all wear around is real, and so, four wins later, we’re the AFC North champions.”
In terms of offensive performance, both Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry put up unprecedented numbers for the season. Jackson finished with 4,172 passing yards and added 915 rushing yards, while Henry rushed for 1,921 yards. Remarkably, the Ravens made history as the first team ever to record over 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in a single season. The synergy between Jackson and Henry has elevated their offensive game. “We’ve won four in a row. I feel like everybody’s been doing a great job of doing their jobs so we can execute on offense, and it’s been fun,” Henry stated. “We’ve got to keep it going, stay locked in and hold each other accountable to maintain that momentum into the playoffs.”
However, the team may struggle with depth in their wide receiver lineup if Flowers cannot play. Rashod Bateman performed well in the game against Cleveland, as did tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. In contrast, receiver Tylan Wallace had a minimal impact, playing 51 offensive snaps with just one target and no receptions.
A positive note for the Ravens was Michael Pierce, whose first career interception became a highlight, demonstrating his recovered fitness after returning from the injured reserve. Weighing in at 355 pounds, Pierce had a chance to advance with his pick but opted to slide down about 80 yards from the end zone rather than risk becoming a viral meme. “There’s a long history of turning big-guy interceptions and fumbles into memes, so at the risk of turning myself into one of those, I decided it was just time to go home,” he noted. “Plus, I was out of gas, so it was good.”
On the downside, defensive back Brandon Stephens struggled against the Browns and may face similar challenges in the playoffs, especially with his teammates Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins creating significant defensive plays.
Injury-wise, Bateman and safety Kyle Hamilton both experienced some discomfort but were able to return to the field, leaving Flowers as the primary injury concern for the Ravens following the game.
Key statistics from the regular season highlighted Baltimore’s defensive prowess. Over the last two games, the Ravens delivered their best performances by allowing only 211 yards in a convincing 31-2 win against Houston and 230 yards against the Browns.
Looking ahead, Baltimore’s first-round playoff matchup hinged on the outcome of the Chargers-Raiders game the following day. With the Chargers emerging victorious, the Ravens were set to face the Steelers, whom they split their regular-season games with this year.
