Ravens Secure AFC North Title With 35-10 Victory Over Browns
The Baltimore Ravens clinched their second consecutive AFC North title with a decisive 35-10 win over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. Quarterback Lamar Jackson threw two touchdown passes and surpassed 4,000 passing yards for the season, while running back Derrick Henry added two fourth-quarter touchdowns, contributing to the Ravens' dominant performance.
Jackson completed 16 of 32 passes for 217 yards, finishing the regular season with 4,172 passing yards and 41 touchdown passes against just four interceptions. He also added 63 rushing yards on nine carries. Henry, in his first season with the Ravens, rushed for 138 yards on 20 carries, including a 43-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. He concluded the regular season with 1,921 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns.
The Ravens' defense also made significant contributions, starting the game with an interception returned for a touchdown by cornerback Nate Wiggins. This early turnover set the tone for the game and provided the Ravens with an early lead.
With the victory, the Ravens secured the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoffs and will host a first-round playoff game next weekend. Their opponent will be either the Los Angeles Chargers or the Pittsburgh Steelers, both of whom are also vying for playoff positions.
Looking ahead, the Ravens are focused on their postseason goals. Jackson emphasized the importance of maintaining their momentum, stating, "I'm focused on the wild-card game, I'm not going to lie to you. I'm cool with what's going on today. I'm cool, don't get me wrong, but my mind's on something else."
The Ravens' victory also marked a significant achievement for Jackson, who became the first player in NFL history to surpass 4,000 passing yards and 900 rushing yards in a single season. This milestone underscores his dual-threat capabilities and his pivotal role in the Ravens' offensive success.
As the Ravens prepare for the playoffs, they will look to build on their strong finish to the regular season and aim for a deep postseason run. Their balanced offensive attack, led by Jackson and Henry, combined with a resilient defense, positions them as a formidable contender in the AFC.