The Baltimore Ravens (3-1) had an exceptional chance to take sole possession of the AFC North lead and that's exactly what they did on Sunday by demolishing the Cleveland Browns and beating them 28-3 on their home, no less.
This win, just the third in the early 2023 regular-season schedule of the Ravens, is much more important in the grand scheme of things--first because of the AFC North implications and player reputation but mostly when discussing head coach John Harbaugh's coaching career.
THAT'S 150 CAREER WINS FOR COACH HARBAUGH!! pic.twitter.com/t4SFZoah0B
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 1, 2023
By leading the Flock to another triumph, Harbaugh won his 150th game in the NFL, something only other 24 coaches in the history of the league have gone on to do. Not bad!
Of course, a lot of what ended up shaping up yesterday's victory had to do with a fantastic performance by quarterback Lamar Jackson, who threw a couple of touchdowns and rushed for two more scores on Sunday.
It was Harbaugh's 150th win and Jackson's first-ever two-and-two game, which sounds impossible but is factually right. Jackson is the 65th player in NFL history to complete two touchdown passes and rush for two more.
Harbaugh also moved to a 23–7 record against rookie quarterbacks after the Browns were forced to rule starter Deshaun Watson out for Sunday's matchup with a shoulder injury.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson started his first pro game in Week 4 after a gaudy preseason, but he could only complete 19-of-36 passes for 121 yards with no touchdowns but three interceptions.
Harbaugh avoided calling any silly play, maintained his composure on the sidelines following the loss against the Colts a week ago, and simply navigated a tough-on-paper, easy-on-the-field game on his way to earn his 150th career victory.
Among active NFL coaches, Harbaugh is one of only seven with 150+ victories to his name along with Bill Belichick, Andy Reid, Mike Tomlin, Pete Carroll, Mike McCarthy, and Sean Payton.