Ravens vs. Browns final score: Lamar Jackson carves up Cleveland defense as Baker Mayfield's offense sputters

Baltimore takes care of business in the Week 1 of the NFL regular season

The Baltimore Ravens spent the past seven months stewing on a disappointing playoff loss to the Titans. They took all of those frustrations out on the rival Cleveland Browns Sunday afternoon. Baltimore jumped out early on Cleveland, turned a drop by wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. into points before halftime and continued the onslaught through the end of the game, 38-6. 

Outside of a poorly-thrown touchdown pass to tight end Mark Andrews, quarterback Lamar Jackson was dazzling once again. He threw just five incompletions and used his scrambling chances to dance around the competition. Wide receiver Marquise Brown and Andrews were fantastic against a depleted Browns secondary.

There were very few bright spots for Cleveland. Wide receiver Jarvis Landry and tight end David Njoku produced when targeted but, as a whole, the team struggled to create separation downfield. 

Why the Ravens won 

It is Week 1 so the commentary is going to be simple before the narrative becomes overplayed; Jackson was incredible. The football is an extension of his body. He threaded a third-and-long throw to Andrews down the field in addition to hitting Brown in stride for a huge gain. When the pocket collapsed, he was able to escape and get positive yardage.

Continuity has been the discussion for most of the offseason and it played out as expected in M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore returned a lion's share of their starting offensive unit. There was not a beat missed between the conclusion of the 2020 NFL playoffs and the start of the 2020 regular season campaign. 

Why the Browns lost

Where does one begin when tasked with explaining how the Browns lost? It could be the first half drop on third-and-2 by Beckham that allowed Baltimore to move down the field and secure points before halftime. It could have been the miscommunication issues along the defensive line. It could be that Baker Mayfield is still unwilling to take the check downs given to him. It could be the inability for pass catchers to create separation downfield. It could be the cushion provided by Cleveland's secondary and the equally accommodating lack of pass rush. It could be a combination of all those things and more. 

Play of the game

Njoku had requested a trade this offseason after the team signed Austin Hooper and drafted Harrison Bryant. It is good that Cleveland did not oblige because Njoku was one of the few brights spots for this team. On a second-and-10 from Cleveland's 41-yard line, Mayfield threw a jump ball in the vicinity of Njoku, who did the rest. With Tavon Young in coverage, Njoku grown man'd him and took the ball away at its peak for one of Cleveland's biggest plays of the game.

What's next

Cleveland has a home game against another AFC North rival -- the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football. Baltimore hits the road for the first time this season as it is scheduled to face the Houston Texans and quarterback Deshaun Watson next weekend. 

[Sep 13, 2020 at 4:04 pm ET · Josh Edwards]

The game mercifully comes to an end. Baltimore wins, 38-6.

[Sep 13, 2020 at 3:57 pm ET · Josh Edwards]

The NFL should institute a running clock if you're losing by 30 points in the fourth quarter.

[Sep 13, 2020 at 3:45 pm ET · Josh Edwards]

Cleveland played spoiler on the road at M&T Bank Stadium last season but the Ravens are more than handling their business today. As it stands, 32 points would be the worst loss for Cleveland since a 37-3 decision at the hands of the Bengals on Dec. 6, 2015.

[Sep 13, 2020 at 3:30 pm ET · Josh Edwards]

Call on the field stands: Baltimore retains the ball after a fumble from running back Nick Chubb.

[Sep 13, 2020 at 3:04 pm ET · Josh Edwards]

Clearly some miscommunication along the Browns defensive line. Myles Garrett went for a stunt and ran into the defensive tackle, who was obviously not on the same page. The time that it took for any pressure to materialize allowed Lamar Jackson to find Willie Snead downfield. Small mistakes lead to bigger, and in this case worse, results.

[Sep 13, 2020 at 2:57 pm ET · Josh Edwards]

Baker Mayfield ignoring his checkdowns is more of the same from 2019 and another reason why he has not progressed as a quarterback.