CLEVELAND — Even without the services of two receivers and their starting left tackle — and later joined on the sideline by the starting right tackle — Lamar Jackson managed to account for four touchdowns and help the Baltimore Ravens blast the Cleveland Browns 28-3 on Sunday.
Jackson looked unfazed going up against Cleveland's top-ranked defense, as he threw two touchdowns and ran for two more. He finished 15 of 19 for 187 yards passing, added 27 yards rushing and made several spectacular plays, none bigger than his first touchdown throw to Andrews — over several defenders — in the back corner of the end zone.
The Raven quarterback scored untouched on runs of 10 yards and 2 yards to help build up a 14-3 lead. Jackson later threaded a 7-yard scoring pass to tight end Mark Andrews with 11 seconds left before halftime to give the Ravens (3-1) a commanding 21-3 lead.
The Browns (2-2) were without Watson because of a right shoulder injury sustained last week and had to start rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson. The fifth-round pick from UCLA, who looked overwhelmed in his NFL debut.
Watson took a limited amount of snaps in practice all week and was listed as questionable. After he threw a handful of passes in pregame, the Browns decided to start Thompson-Robinson.
Thompson-Robinson threw three interceptions and was sacked four times.
Cleveland's offense was already depleted as it is, losing star running back Nick Chubb for the season with a knee injury. The Browns managed just 166 total yards of offense — 53 of that coming on a meaningless final drive.
To make matters worse, Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett left the game as well. He had his left foot in a protective boot following the game after getting hurt in the third quarter.
And starting centerEthan Pocic went out in the second quarter. He started the third before leaving with a knee injury.
Jackson put an exclamation point on a dominating performance, connecting with Andrews again on an 18-yard touchdown pass. The score sent the remaining diehard Cleveland fans to the exits.
With the win, Baltimore now holds sole possession of first place in the AFC North.
The Browns have a bye next week. Their next game will be at home against San Francisco on Oct. 15.
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