Cleveland trails behind Baltimore 24-6 at halftime

CLEVELAND (WJW) — The Cleveland Browns are trailing behind the Baltimore Ravens 24-6 at halftime in their first game of the 2020 season.

The game kicked off at 1:00 p.m. Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

The Ravens were first to put points on the board when tight end Mark Andrews scored a touchdown on a 5-yard pass from quarterback Lamar Jackson. Baltimore led Cleveland 7-0.

Then, Baltimore kicker Justin Tucker kicked a 41-yard field goal, increasing the Ravens’ lead over the Browns 10-0.

Cleveland tight end David Njoku scored the team’s first touchdown of the season on a 1-yard pass from quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Cleveland placekicker Austin Seibert missed the extra point. The Ravens led the Browns 10-6 at the end of the first quarter.

At the start of the second quarter, Baltimore defensive end Patrick Ricard rushed to the middle for a loss of 1 yard. He was tackled by Cleveland defensive end Larry Ogunjobi. The ball was fumbled and recovered by defensive end Myles Garrett.

Unfortunately, Cleveland did not capitalize on the turnover. Mayfield’s pass to wide receiver Jarvis Landry was incomplete.

Baltimore increased their lead with less than three minutes to play in the second quarter.

Former Ohio State Buckeye and Ravens rookie running back J.K. Dobbins rushed 3-yards, scoring the first touchdown of his NFL career. Baltimore led Cleveland 17-6.

The Browns attempted to decrease their point deficit as the first half game to a close. Cleveland could not convert on a third and goal and then missed a field goal, returning the ball to Baltimore.

The Ravens scored another touchdown with 9 seconds to play in the first half. Jackson threw a 9-yard pass to Andrews for score.

Head Coach Kevin Stefanski announced during a recent press briefing that he would be calling the offensive plays during Sunday’s game. He said he feels confident in the decision.

“I have not called 1,000 games, but I will tell you, when I have called it, we are very collaborative. We have a lot of people who will have a hand in this, and I am really lucky because I am surrounded by a bunch of really good coaches on the offensive and defensive side. Feel good about our staff,” he said.

The team has dealt with their fair share of challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic, which led to training restrictions and the cancellation of preseason. Despite the changes, linebackers coach Jason Tarver believes his guys are ready.

“Our energy has been outstanding. That is what is great about this group. They challenge each other, and they have just been positive and running. They have been one-time correction guys, and that is a great thing. That means if they get it wrong, they find a way to get it right, and that is what it is about,” he said. “Not everything is going to be perfect. There are only two things they can do. They can run or they can pass. As we see those things, we make the corrections, and our positive energy and how we are able to focus, it is on our way and we like where we are going.”

Tarver was also asked about fans not being in the stands this year and if there could be any benefit to overhearing plays from the other team. He said only time will tell.

“There are some quarterbacks in this league that are going to say whole bunch of stuff, and it may not be true. That is going to be interesting. That will be something for everybody. We are all excited to feel, hear and experience this season because it is unique. I like the question,” he said.

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