Ravens hold off late Browns rally in Thursday NFL action

News around the NFL circled late Wednesday that the regular officials were back. A deal was reached, the normal officials were back (to a standing ovation of all things) and NFL fans around the country could focus on what they wanted most, football. Last night the Ravens were led by Joe Flacco and fought off a frisky Browns team late to take the victory 23-16. This was supposed to be a blowout (Ravens were favored by 12) and it was supposed to be another Thursday night blowout but that wasn’t the case. Maybe it was the rainy weather, maybe it was the regular officiating but this game started slow and ended with another hail mary. The Ravens held the lead for the most part of the game but they game never felt like it was over, give the Browns credit for that. Joe Flacco had the Ravens offense going, primarily targeting WR Anquan Boldin but Brown’s rookie QB Brandon Weeden looked surprisingly poised out there. It also didn’t hurt the Browns that their rookie RB Trent Richardson had a solid game, power running the stout Ravens defense on various occasions. Like most rookie QBs on the road against an experienced Ravens defense, mistakes almost seem inevitable. It came late in the 3rd quarter as the Browns were driving. Weeden threw an interception that was taken back for a score. In the end the final rally by the Browns faltered and the Ravens went on to take the victory at home.

A lot of attention was being placed on the referee’s first game back and whether or not there would be a difference, specifically improvement. I noticed a change almost immediately, the game just felt like it was more in control when penalties were being called or when there would be players shoving each other a bit. For the most part fans accepted the regular referees and the work that they did but a standing ovation seems a little much, especially when booing was heard halfway through the first quarter. Either way I think fans are just relieved that football will return to normal for the rest of the season.

Upset pick of the week: Against the spread Panthers AT Falcons (-7) because I like Cam Newton to break out and keep this game close.