Browns Rally Past Ravens 13-10 on Last Second Field Goal to Earn Crucial AFC North Victory

Cleveland Browns Overcome Slow Start

The Cleveland Browns are still a work in progress under first-year head coach Todd Monken, but their growing confidence and resilience are becoming defining characteristics of the team. Cleveland overcame an early 10-point deficit and a sluggish offensive performance to stun the Baltimore Ravens 13-10 on Sunday, securing another dramatic victory with a field goal on the final play.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson shook off three quarters of ineffective play to lead the decisive drive, connecting with Jerry Jeudy for a 33-yard gain that put Cleveland in position for Andre Szmyt’s game-winning 37-yard field goal. Szmyt drilled the kick as time expired, completing the Browns’ comeback and handing Monken an emotional victory against the Ravens, the team he served as offensive coordinator for the previous three seasons.

The Browns improved to 4-2, pulling into a tie with Baltimore and Pittsburgh atop the AFC North. Four of Cleveland’s victories have come in games decided in the closing moments, an encouraging sign for a team still working through significant offensive and special-teams inconsistencies.

Despite their flaws, the Browns have demonstrated an ability to remain competitive when games are on the line. Sunday’s comeback was perhaps their most impressive victory yet in terms of the result, even if the overall performance left plenty of room for improvement.

Defensive Turnover Sparks Cleveland’s Comeback

For much of the afternoon, Baltimore appeared to have control despite playing without star quarterback Lamar Jackson, who missed his second consecutive game because of an ankle injury. The Ravens took a 10-0 lead on their first two possessions. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley connected with rookie tight end Josh Cuevas for a 2-yard touchdown, the first of Cuevas’ career, before Tyler Loop added a 34-yard field goal.

Cleveland’s offense struggled to respond. The Browns entered the fourth quarter with just 107 yards of offense, and the frustration among the home crowd was evident. Watson was booed during a first half in which Cleveland recorded five punts and only three first downs.

The momentum finally shifted when Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger knocked the ball out of running back Derrick Henry’s hands. Defensive back Tyson Campbell recovered the fumble at the Baltimore 35-yard line, giving Cleveland a much-needed opportunity to get back into the game.

Audric Estime Ties the Game

The Browns capitalized on the turnover with a short touchdown drive. Audric Estime, who had joined Cleveland from Minnesota’s practice squad earlier in the week, powered into the end zone from 2 yards out to tie the game at 10-10 with 8:33 remaining. Estime’s touchdown was especially important because Cleveland was without starting running back Quinshon Judkins, who was sidelined by an ankle injury.

The Browns’ defense continued to deliver when it mattered most, keeping Baltimore off the scoreboard after the Ravens’ fast start. Cleveland’s ability to create the pivotal turnover and take advantage of the opportunity proved decisive in a game where offensive production was difficult to find.

Browns Quarterback Delivers When It Matters Most

After the Browns tied the game, Baltimore had two opportunities to regain the lead but failed to record a first down on either possession. Cleveland took over at its own 20-yard line with 1:59 remaining, setting the stage for Watson’s most important drive of the afternoon. Despite his struggles throughout the first three quarters, the quarterback remained composed and guided the Browns downfield.

Watson completed 16 of 26 passes for 164 yards, and his biggest throw came when Cleveland needed it most. He connected with Jeudy for a 33-yard gain, moving the Browns into field-goal range and setting up Szmyt for the decisive kick.

Szmyt had missed a 48-yard attempt a few minutes earlier, giving the Ravens an opportunity to escape with a victory. Baltimore initially blocked his first attempt at the game-winner, but the Ravens were penalized for being offside, allowing Cleveland another chance from five yards closer.

The rookie kicker made no mistake on his second opportunity, sending the 37-yard attempt through the uprights as time expired to seal the 13-10 victory. The finish capped another late-game rally for a Cleveland team that has shown an increasing willingness to fight through adversity, even when its offense struggles to establish consistency.

Ravens’ Offense Goes Silent After Early Lead

Baltimore’s offense looked sharp during its opening possessions, but the Ravens could not sustain that production after building their 10-0 advantage. Huntley completed 19 of 31 passes for 165 yards and a touchdown, following an impressive overtime victory over Atlanta the previous Sunday. However, he and the offense failed to generate another scoring drive against Cleveland’s defense.

The Ravens went scoreless on their final nine possessions, wasting opportunities to put the game away. Loop also missed a 49-yard field-goal attempt early in the fourth quarter that would have extended Baltimore’s lead and made Cleveland’s comeback considerably more difficult. Henry’s costly fumble compounded the Ravens’ problems, turning what had appeared to be a comfortable afternoon into another frustrating defeat.

Jackson’s absence remained significant, as Baltimore struggled to produce the offensive spark needed to close out a divisional opponent. Although Huntley helped the Ravens establish their early lead, the offense could not find answers once Cleveland’s defense began to gain momentum.

Browns Build Confidence in the AFC North Race

The victory was another encouraging milestone for Monken, who earned a win against familiar faces after spending the previous three seasons coordinating Baltimore’s offense. Cleveland’s 4-2 record puts the Browns alongside the Ravens and Steelers at the top of the AFC North, setting up an increasingly competitive divisional race.

There is still plenty for Cleveland to address. Watson and the offense remain inconsistent, and the special teams unit has experienced its share of difficulties. However, the Browns’ defense has shown flashes of dominance, and the team’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations is becoming increasingly difficult to overlook.

Sunday’s finish also provided an entertaining backdrop for Cleveland fans, with the crowd enjoying the late comeback while preparing for the Cleveland Guardians’ American League Championship Series Game 5 against Tampa Bay nearby.

For a Browns team still searching for consistency, the result mattered more than the imperfect performance. Cleveland overcame a 10-0 deficit, capitalized on a critical turnover and delivered another victory in the final moments.

The Browns will look to carry that confidence into the next week as they continue their push in the AFC North. If their late-game resilience continues, Cleveland could remain a serious factor in the division even as its offense works toward finding a more reliable rhythm.