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Team Grades: Defense Fails To Finish Again As Browns Upset Ravens

By Samuel Njoku

The Ravens have struggled for most of the season, but many expected them to begin turning things around after beating the Steelers in Pittsburgh last week. That wasn't the case as they fell to an inferior Cleveland Browns team in overtime. Not only is this the second loss at home this season, but also the second loss in the division. Neither situation bodes well for their playoff hopes at this point in the year.

Offense: B

Baltimore is currently (1-4) on the season, but this team is barely keeping afloat thanks to one man. Joe Flacco has had to do more with less for most of the season. But his play hasn't diminished at all this year. He did the best he could with what was given to him. That meant he would have to punch the ball into the endzone twice — by himself. And toss one score to his fullback Kyle Juszczyk in order to keep pace with Cleveland. Jeremy Ross made the most of his opportunity as he took in a couple of receptions. Kamar Aiken may be Flacco's go-to receiver with the recent injury to Steve Smith.

Justin Forsett figured to be the focal point of the Ravens offense this week as Cleveland fields one of the worst run defenses in the NFL. He had loads of success in this one finishing with 121 yards and a score on 21 carries. His injury (ankle) late in the game attributed to the teams' demise, but Ravens fans should find solace in the fact that Forsett still has the skills to carry the load on the ground for Baltimore.

Defense: F

It's the Cleveland Browns -- of Ohio. It's journeyman quarterback Josh McCown. And fans of Baltimore will tell you that it's simply unacceptable what took place in M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday. Browns QB Josh McCown finished with 457 yards through the air and 2 touchdowns. A lot of it has to do with injuries that have choked the life out of the defense. Will Davis, Lardarius Webb, Elvis Dumervil, and Kyle Arrington were all injured in some capacity on Sunday. Those are key members of a defense that was already struggling.

But that doesn't matter.

There was still enough talent on the field to get the job done. The defense simply didn't finish the game. A trend that has cost Baltimore 4 times in 2015.

Special Teams: C

Jeremy Ross did a decent job returning the football for the Ravens, especially given the short notice. You can tell he was anxious to make a play for the team and sometimes that cost Baltimore in field position. But it's hard to fault the former practice squad member from wanting to contribute in a big way for the organization. Sam Koch did good work today as he switched field position late in the game when Baltimore was deep within their own territory. Justin Tucker missed a field goal that ended up being the difference, but made up for it somewhat by kicking the game-tying field goal that sent he game into overtime.

Coaching: F

The coaching staff had 10 days to prepare for the Cleveland Browns and came up empty. Penalties continue to be an issue for the team and that falls on John Harbaugh. Marc Trestman's play calling have been questionable at best and many are beginning to wonder whether Dean Pees' philosophy meshes well with the talent on the roster.

With the upset loss to the Browns on Sunday, many appear convinced that the season is pretty much over for the purple and black. With an organization that prides itself on competing at a high level every Sunday, the days leading up to the San Francisco 49ers game will be interesting to say the least.

Samuel Njoku was born and raised in Baltimore, MD and is a graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Samuel has covered the Ravens for Examiner.com since 2010. Prior to 2010, Samuel was an avid blogger and radio personality in Salisbury, MD. Samuel Njoku is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @Ravens_Examiner.

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