Browns stun the Ravens 33-30 in OT thanks to huge plays by McCown, Barnidge, Coons
By @MarkW2112
The Cleveland Browns, after 2 heartbreaking losses in a row, came to Baltimore, trying to stay out of the AFC North basement with the Baltimore Ravens. It took them 4 quarters and 7 minutes in to overtime to do it, but they were able to beat the Ravens 33-30, thanks to the gutsy play of Luke McCown, the spectacular "butt" catch for a touchdown by Gary Barnidge and the strong, steady of leg of Travis Coons, who kicked the game winner in overtime. It was an exhilarating road win for a team that is used to giving these kind of games away for a loss.
McCown lead the Browns offense with 457 yards passing, a regular season record, and 2 touchdowns as well as a rushing touchdown. The best touchdown he had was a 'have to see it to believe it', between the legs catch by "Big Play" Gary Barnidge, who also had 139 yards receiving. His catch made it 22-21 Browns after being down 21-9 at one point. Those 9 points from Travis Coons helped the Browns stay in the game before the big game winning kick in overtime.
As good as the offense was, the defense was pretty much a disaster all game. Joe Flacco was 19 of 35 for 210 yards and a touchdown but rushed for 2 more touchdowns. Justin Forsett had 121 yards and touchdown. The defense was just not able to stop the Ravens offense on too many occasions, including when they couldn't hold the Ravens to not tying the score at 30 with 29 seconds left. In overtime, they were able to stop the Ravens with a 3 and out to set up the game winner for the offense.
My take: The high powered offense the players touted in preseason is for real, at least for now. Luke McCown is proving to be an excellent quarterback and leader for this team. Gary Barnidge seems to be making big plays for the last few weeks, none bigger than the touchdown catch he had, which should be a candidate for best catch of the year. The defense, however, is still very worrisome, with them giving up too many big plays and getting hit with too many penalties. But let's not dwell on the negative. The Browns won and victory Monday never tasted so sweet then after beating the former Browns on their home turf in Baltimore.
Player of the game: Travis Coons. Yes, Luke McCown was fantastic but it was Coons and his big leg that kept the Browns in the game as well as kicking the game winner.
Play of the game: The great leg/butt catch of Gary Barnidge for a touchdown which turned the tide for the Browns, which gave them the lead for the first time during the game.
Next for the Browns: back in Cleveland next Sunday to play the undefeated Denver Broncos at 1 PM. How nice would a home win against a Super Bowl contender be?
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