BALTIMORE – Pinned up against the wall, with the season arguably on the line, the Cleveland Browns roared back from a 21-9 third quarter deficit to takedown the Baltimore Ravens, 33-30, in overtime.
It's the type of win in the NFL that can change a season.
Veteran left tackle Joe Thomas said this victory counts as just one tally in the standings column, pushing Cleveland to 2-3 on the season. But the uplifting aftermath already could be felt in a joyous visitor's locker room at M&T Bank Stadium.
"This is a huge emotional boost for our team," Thomas said in between bear hugs with his Browns teammates.
The passionate reaction to the win was similar from the generally stoic Mike Pettine. Cleveland's head coach gave a rare celebratory scream and fist pump when kicker Travis Coons nailed the 32-yard game winner in overtime.
"Sometimes you get wins that define things for you, that become a turning point," Pettine said. "We're hoping that was this for us."
Cleveland Browns nose tackle Danny Shelton walks on the field
Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown warms up
Cleveland Browns wide receiever Taylor Gabriel during warmups
Cleveland Browns defensive back Tramon Williams takes the field for pregame warmups
A pink ribbon representing breast cancer awareness is emblazoned on the field
Cleveland Browns wide receiever Brian Hartline warming up before the game
Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown warms up
Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Paul Kruger warms up
Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) lines up behind center Alex Mack as they warm up
A member of the Cleveland Browns wears a cap emblazoned with the team name in pink in recognition of breast cancer awareness
Cleveland Browns nose tackle Danny Shelton (71) warms up with teammates
Cleveland Browns run onto the field before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens' Lardarius Webb, bottom is tackled by Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Tank Carder
Cleveland Browns defensive front of LB Paul Kruger, NT Danny Shelton, & DL Randy Starks
Cleveland Browns defensive back Joe Haden matches up against a Ravens receiver
Cleveland Browns wide receiever Andrew Hawkins makes a catch during the 1st quarter
Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine
Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) throws to a receiver as he is pressured by Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil
Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Desmond Bryant makes a hit in the backfield
Cleveland Browns strong safety Donte Whitner yells out defensive adjustments
Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson, left, rushes against Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Albert McClellan
Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens
Cleveland Browns defensive back Justin Gilbert returns a kick
Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Mitchell Schwartz
Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Joe Thomas
Cleveland Browns DL Jamie Meder
Cleveland Browns nose tackle Danny Shelton
Baltimore Ravens fullback Kyle Juszczyk, right, is knocked out of bounds by Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Tank Carder just short of the end zone
Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown scores a touchdown
Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge (82) makes a touchdown catch between his legs
Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge, right, celebrates after making a touchdown catch between his legs
Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell running through a gap
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Marlon Moore
Cleveland Browns linebacker Karlos Dansby
Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Solomon
Cleveland Browns quarterbacks Josh McCown and Johnny Manziel stand next eachother on the sidelines
Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell dives for a touchdown
Cleveland Browns wide receiever Andrew Hawkins catches a 2 point conversion
In the win, which sunk the Ravens to 1-4, quarterback Josh McCown tallied a Browns franchise record 457 passing yards and two touchdowns. His three consecutive games with 300 yards through the air is also a Browns first.
In a genuine, heartfelt press conference, McCown made a point of reminding reporters he once was relegated to play in the UFL in hopes of continuing his professional football career.
The reason he never decided to hang up the cleats had nothing to do with wanting personal success and franchise records. It's all about winning for McCown. And on the heels of a heartbreaking loss on the other side of the country against the San Diego Chargers -- which Pettine admitted the defeat "took a lot out of us" -- McCown helped deliver an unforgettable win that could turn the tides for Cleveland's season.
"I think it speaks volumes, I really do," McCown said. "We talked about being a team that responded. I think we are all in agreement that was a pretty good response.
"Sometimes a win like this means more than just one win."
The Browns looked like they were the AFC North team headed for a 1-4 record for much of the game. Big plays continued to pierce the defense and squandered scoring opportunities in the red zone hindered the offense. The Ravens took what felt like an insurmountable 27-22 lead with 5:56 left in the fourth quarter after a Justin Forsett rushing touchdown. Things looked bleak.
Cleveland saved its most inspired football of the young season for when it mattered most. McCown and Isaiah Crowell hooked up for a 22-yard touchdown, the defense bent but didn't break on a goal line stand to force a field goal at the end of regulation and then forced a three-and-out to start overtime. McCown remained collected on the game-winning drive
"To overcome all the adversity that we faced in the game, I told the guys, this was the greatest kind of win," defensive linemen Desmond Bryant said.
"To find a way to win a game like this, with everything on the line," Pettine said, "I can't tell you how satisfying this is."
