The Good, The Bad, The Ugly: Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens Recap

The Good: You're Still Alive

A win is a win, no matter what trolls on Twitter will tell you.

The Browns survived in a week where they had tremendous help around the AFC and within the division. The playoffs are in reach, and the Browns improved to +180 odds to win the AFC North.

Myles Garrett was tremendous and probably saved the game. His Defensive Player of the Year candidacy grows louder every time he steps foot on the field. On Friday, he called out his teammates, and they responded. Even without Lamar Jackson (ankle) for most of the game, the Browns defense did enough to get a victory.

It was a defense built to stop Jackson's Ravens, and they did that in two consecutive weeks.

If the Browns defeat the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Ravens lose to the Green Bay Packers, Cleveland will be in first place of the AFC North,

The Bad: The Little Things

Special teams has been a nightmare for the Browns all season long. New punter Dustin Colquitt was a welcomed sight, and JoJo Natson made an incredible heads up play at the goal line. But the rest of it was a mess.

Demetric Felton fumbled two punts, Chase McLaughlin missed a critical field goal, and Andy Janovich (why is he on the hands team?) botched an onside kick recovery. A complete special teams nightmare.

The 12 men on the field penalty made a reappearance, as did more injury drama when Kareem Hunt (ankle) thought he could come back into the game, but is now doubtful to play the Raiders next week.

The Browns just can't get out of their own way in critical situations, even in a win.

The Ugly: The Offense

After scoring 24 points in the first half, and two passing touchdowns from Baker Mayfield, I thought we were beyond this.

Nope.

Kevin Stefanski seemingly took his foot off the gas offensively, a common theme for him through his first few seasons as play caller.

"We did enough to win the game, so check that box," Baker Mayfield said postgame. "Got conservative... I think we need to put that team away."

Mayfield's comments were magnified by a Cleveland.com report that he was unhappy with Stefanski's play calling, as were several other players on offense.

Again, this aggravation is a common theme for a Stefanski-led offense. In Minnesota, Stefon Diggs requested a trade as the Vikings were centered on a more run-centric approach.

Yet still, using three running backs and Baker Mayfield, the Browns ran for just 100 yards. The Browns have scored just seven points in their last eight fourth quarters.

Something has to give.

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