Lamar Jackson and DeAndre Hopkins shine as Ravens dominate Browns
The Baltimore Ravens rebounded impressively from their Week 1 setback against the Buffalo Bills, delivering a commanding 41-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns. This time, the spotlight shone brightly on the passing game, overshadowing the typically dominant run game led by Derrick Henry.
Passing Game Takes Center Stage
In a surprising twist, the Ravens’ offense shifted gears, creating ample opportunities for several key players, most notably veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. After showcasing his remarkable skills with a one-handed catch in his previous outing, Hopkins continued to dazzle, securing two receptions for 64 yards, including a lengthy touchdown strike from quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Despite some recent chatter on social media suggesting that Hopkins may be past his prime, Jackson offered a strong defense of his teammate. “I’ve seen it his whole career,” Jackson stated. “Even when I wasn’t in the league, I’ve been watching D-Hop make spectacular catches. Seeing him in camp and building chemistry, he’s proving everyone wrong. People call him washed, but he’s showing otherwise.”
Ravens Overcome Week 1 Frustrations
The Ravens’ defeat to Buffalo was a tough pill to swallow, and head coach John Harbaugh was determined to prevent any lingering effects from impacting the game against the Browns. Baltimore not only shook off that loss but also displayed its readiness to assert itself in the season moving forward.
Although the Ravens struggled on third downs, converting only three of their twelve attempts, and Henry contributed a mere 23 rushing yards, the passing attack flourished. Jackson led the charge, amassing 225 passing yards and throwing for four touchdowns, leaving the Browns’ defense scrambling.
Hopkins Proves His Worth
While the Ravens’ vaunted ground game was absent in this matchup, it hardly mattered as Jackson and the aerial assault took control. Hopkins’ performance served as a reminder that he remains a formidable asset, capable of making significant plays when it counts most.
As Baltimore looks to build on this momentum, the combination of Jackson’s leadership and Hopkins’ experience appears poised to elevate the Ravens’ game in the weeks to come.
