Browns struggle offensively without Watson in loss to Ravens; Jackson scores 4 TDs

CLEVELAND — Rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson made his first NFL start for the Cleveland Browns in place of the injured Deshaun Watson and the Baltimore Ravens took advantage of it.

>>Nick Chubb undergoes successful surgery, could play in 2024 season: Browns say

The Ravens’ defense sacked him four times and he threw three interceptions as the Browns fell, 28-3, Sunday afternoon in Cleveland.

He started in place of Deshaun Watson, who missed Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury. He worked through a shoulder injury throughout the week of practice and was limited in practice. Watson was listed as questionable and went through a pregame warmup before he was determined inactive for the game.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson scored four touchdowns, two rushing and two passing.

Cleveland enters the bye week with a 2-2 record.

>>Browns defense dominates in victory over Titans

Thompson-Robinson’s first interception came in the first quarter when Brandon Stephens returned it 52 yards to the Browns’ 10-yard line. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson scored on the next play to put them up, 7-0.

Cleveland responded with a 53-yard field by Dustin Hopkins to cut the deficit to 7-3 after one quarter.

>>Browns RB Nick Chubb’s injury believed to not be career-ending, ESPN reports

Baltimore began to put the game away in the second quarter. Jackson threw a 36-yard pass to tight end Mark Andrews and Melvin Gordan II’s 22-yard run to the Browns’ two-yard line set up a first and goal. Two plays later, Jackson scored his second rushing touchdown to go up, 14-3.

Right before halftime, Jackson threw a 43-yard pass to Zay Flowers to Cleveland’s 11-yard line with 25 seconds left in the first half. Three plays later, Andrews caught a seven-yard touchdown pass to give Baltimore a 21-3 halftime lead.

The Ravens capped the scoring when Jackson found Andrews for an 18-yard touchdown with 5:56 left in the fourth quarter.

Cleveland’s next game will be on October 15 when they host San Francisco at 1 p.m. The game will be broadcast on 1290 and 95-7, WHIO.

©2023 Cox Media Group