CLEVELAND ― The Browns are back in first place in the AFC North. This time, they did so by beating the team that was there before.
Cleveland beat the Baltimore Ravens 13-10 on Andre Szmyt's 37-yard field goal on an extra untimed down after Baltimore jumped offsides on the previous try from 42. The Browns and Ravens are both 4-2 in the division.
The Browns yet again waited until the fourth quarter for the magic to come alive. They trailed 10-0 at halftime, and 10-3 through three quarters.
Subscribe to Browns Insider newsletter
Here are four quick takeaways from immediately after the game:
Browns defense, battered and beaten, still stands strong
The injuries were lengthy for the Browns defense coming into the game. Then they lost safety Grant Delpit to a concussion in the first quarter.
However, that defense managed to stand tall time and time again. They also managed to get the game-changing turnover, this one when linebacker Carson Schwesinger stripped running back Derrick Henry and cornerback Tyson Campbell recovered at the Ravens 35.
Schwesinger, it should be noted, was playing on a bad ankle. Yet he led the Browns with 13 combined tackles.
The defense is far from perfect. It's also the perfect example of this team's gritty ways.
Jaleel McLaughlin, Austin Estime give running game a boost
Quinshon Judkins didn't play because his ankle wouldn't allow him. The Browns were left with Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime at running back.
Somehow, the running game seemed to look as good as it has all season. The raw numbers may not show that, with 78 yards on 24 carries for a 3.3 average, but there was a burst when they ran the ball.
Again, it's just a small sample size. And a lot of it was just a feel based upon how McLaughlin and Estime just seemed to plant their foot in the ground and go upfield when the hole was there.
Still, it may be something to build on, especially if Judkins is out for longer.
Deshaun Watson struggles with decisiveness at times on sacks
Watson has been sacked 13 times in the last two games. A big reason why is becoming apparent.
The quarterback, who was decisive in the Browns' three-game win streak, has gone back to holding the ball and waiting to throw. That's allowed the defense to get to him and get him to the ground.
The New York Jets sacked Watson eight times in Week 5, with at least half because of that tendency. The Ravens got to him five times in this game, with him holding the ball once again an issue.
The balance between trying to find an open receiver and holding the ball too long is a fine line. He's been on the wrong side of that line too much the last couple of games.
Browns find a way to win again
Just ride the wave. Don't ask. It beats the alternative.
Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ. Sign up for Browns Insider newsletter at https://profile.beaconjournal.com/newsletters/browns-insider/
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 4 things that stood out in Browns' Week 6 game vs. Ravens
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.