1 winner and 4 losers from Ravens' frustrating Week 8 loss to Browns

The Baltimore Ravens had a chance to solidify their status as one of the AFC’s top contenders with a Week 8 matchup against a struggling Cleveland Browns team. Instead, they suffered a shocking 29-24 loss that left fans and analysts alike wondering what went wrong.

Baltimore's defense, which came into the game ranked last in passing yards allowed, was once again exposed, and their issues on third down persisted.

Despite facing a backup quarterback in Jameis Winston and a Browns team that had lost five straight games, the Ravens couldn't close the deal.

While Lamar Jackson did everything he could to keep the Ravens in the game, it wasn’t enough to overcome a slew of mistakes and a lackluster defensive effort. This defeat raises serious questions about Baltimore’s status as a true contender, especially with the same problems continuing to haunt them week after week.

Let’s break down one winner and four glaring losers from this disappointing showing.

[The only] winner from Ravens vs Browns Week 8 matchup

1. Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson was the best player on the field for the Ravens. It's not a shocker, he usually is. Aside from his missed throw to Zay Flowers, Jackson had a strong game. He ended the game with 23 completions for 289 yards and two touchdowns. He added 46 more yards on the ground on eight carries.

Unfortunately, Jackson cannot do everything. Baltimore's offense runs through him, but he needs help. This is exactly why the Ravens brought in Derrick Henry this offseason. Too often Jackson had to play hero ball and that is just not how this team will win games.

Losers from Ravens vs Browns Week 8 matchup

4. Practically anyone on the Ravens with hands

Drop after drop after drop after drop. On offense, on defense, you name it. Seemingly, anyone on the Ravens with hands just couldn't, for their life, hang onto the football. On offense, Bateman had two. Agholor had at least one if not two.

Defensively, the defense dropped everything - Kyle Hamilton dropped the game-winning interception, while Eddie Jackson dropped about three or four more.

3. Ravens' third down defense

Over the past three games, the Ravens have had the worst third-down defense in the league, allowing conversions at a 53.49% rate. Against the Browns, who rank last in third-down conversions, they allowed eight of 15 attempts (53%) to be converted. This inability to get off the field left the defense out there for 66 plays, leading to fatigue and compounding issues like the ones seen in this game.

2. Six-game winning streaks

Baltimore came into the Cleveland game riding a five-game winning streak. Unfortunately, the streak was upended by Jameis Winston and the Browns.

The Ravens have won six games in a row three times in franchise history: in 2000, 2019, and 2023.

1. Zach Orr

Oh man, is the seat getting hotter and hotter by the week for Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr? We knew there would be an adjustment period, but this is something else. Last season, Baltimore had the best defense in the league. In one year, this team is unrecognizable.

Baltimore's run defense has been very good all season, but it's the pass defense that's worrisome. The Ravens allow the most passing yards allowed per game at 291.4. That's 20 more than the second-worst mark set by the lowly 2-6 Jaguars.

Orr’s defense needs to step up quickly, as the time for excuses has passed and action is now a must.

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