Rookie running back Ray Rice had the biggest day of his young career, posting 154 yards on 21 carries (a 7.3-yard average per carry).
Sixty of those yards came on a fourth-quarter scamper that set up a go-ahead field goal from Matt Stover.
The diminutive 5-foot-8, 205-pound Rice spent most of the game banging out tough yards through Cleveland's massive defensive line, but he saved his most-explosive play when the Ravens were in need of a spark.
"We called the play and the hole opened up," Rice said. "As a running back, you always want a one-on-one. Your eyes get big when you see that hole. They close up a lot quicker in the NFL. That was one of the turning points."
Rice also added three catches for 22 yards, making a living on crafty screen passes. For the former record-setter from Rutgers, such a prolific outing wasn't shocking.
"The way we practice – I can't say that I was surprised," Rice stated. "I do a great job of studying and watching. When it is my turn, I'm ready. It surprises me with how many people are rallying behind you. Even if you make a bad play, they rally behind you.
"Today was a team win. I can say that I made a lot of plays, but the Browns have one of the best defensive lines that I have ever seen."
Rice's backup was regular starter Willis McGahee, who suited up but was hobbled all last week by an ankle injury. The Ravens were hoping to keep McGahee on the sidelines while Rice carried the workload.
"We kind of put him in the emergency back mode this week," head coach John Harbaugh said. "I thought Willis did a great job all week of getting that thing right. He was banged up. When we came back Wednesday and Thursday, he really couldn't practice at all.
"He could've gone to if we needed him, and he wanted to go. But Ray Rice and Le'Ron McClain did a tremendous job."
Mason Does It Again
He may be a 12-year veteran, but Ravens wideout Derrick Mason is playing with the energy of 22-year old.
Mason topped the century mark for the 17th time in his career Sunday, catching nine passes for 136 yards in a 37-27 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
The wily receiver knifed through the Browns' secondary for many critical grabs.
There was a 14-yard reception for a first down on a second-quarter drive that led to a Matt Stover field goal.
There was the key third-and-16 conversion in the third quarter, where Mason shook free for a 20-yard connection with quarterback Joe Flacco. The play ignited a rally where the Ravens scored 24 unanswered points to come back from a two-touchdown deficit.
And later, Mason added a touchdown when he hauled in a 6-yard pass and wheeled past cornerback Eric Wright en route to a 20-yard score.
"As wideouts, we're taught that as soon as you get the ball in your hands, turn up the field," Mason said. "Typically, when you turn up the field, good things happen. When you start dancing, nothing good happens."
Mason did pull out his "Michael Jackson" inspired dance when he hit the end zone, capping a day where he and fellow wideout Mark Clayton combined for 13 receptions for 233 yards.
It was also an historical day for Mason. With his impressive performance, Mason surpassed the 750-catch, 9,500-yard milestone for his career, making him one of only eight active NFL receivers to accomplish that feat. He now has 753 grabs for 9,581 yards.
Mason last beat 100 yards in Week 4 with a 137-yard showing against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
For the Ravens' passing attack, seeing Mason and Clayton break out is a positive portent for the future.
"We preach that you've got to win in more ways than one," said Mason. "Last week we proved it, and this week I think we proved it as well."
Notable
With Rice and Mason both going over 100 yards, it was the 14th time in team history the Ravens have had a 100-yard rusher and receiver in the same game. The last time this occurred was when Devard Darling (107 receiving yards) and McGahee (102 on the ground) did it against the Browns last season. … Clayton's 47-yard touchdown grab in the first quarter was the 10th of his career. Clayton now has two rushing scores and eight through the air for Baltimore. … Entering Sunday's contest, Cleveland had gone three games and 219 plays without turning the ball over. That streak ended when Evan Oglesby recovered a Syndric Steptoe fumble. That turnover led to Clayton's touchdown two snaps later.
