Mark Andrews' 35-Yard Rush TD Lifts Ravens Over Browns 23-16, Spoils Shedeur Sanders' NFL Debut

Mark Andrews' 35-Yard Rush TD Lifts Ravens Over Browns 23-16, Spoils Shedeur Sanders' NFL Debut
Casper Vanthof 24 Nov 2025 0 Comments

The Baltimore Ravens didn’t just win a game on November 16, 2025 — they rewrote the script in the final two minutes at Huntington Bank Field. Down 16-13, with the clock ticking under three minutes and the weight of a season’s momentum on their shoulders, the Ravens called a trick play so unconventional, so perfectly executed, it became instant legend. Tight end Mark Andrews, lined up under center, took the snap — then sprinted left, untouched, for a 35-yard rushing touchdown. The crowd fell silent. The Ravens’ sideline exploded. And Cleveland Browns fans? They were left watching their hopes vanish — along with the debut of rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

The Game That Turned on a Play Called 'Hurricane'

The Ravens’ victory wasn’t pretty for long stretches. Quarterback Lamar Jackson threw two costly interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown by Devin Bush that gave Cleveland a 13-3 lead. The Browns’ offense, led by veteran Gabriel in the first half, moved efficiently, and kicker Amari Szmyt nailed three field goals, including a 46-yarder just before halftime. But the Ravens’ ground game — powered by Derrick Henry’s 103 yards and a 1-yard TD — kept them alive. And then, with 4:59 left, Tyler Loop tied the game at 16-16 with a 44-yard field goal. The stage was set.

The ‘Hurricane’ play? It wasn’t just a gimmick. It was the product of weeks of film study, practice reps, and coaching staff belief. Andrews, normally a pass-catching tight end, had practiced this exact motion — a disguised tush push that turned into a quarterback sweep — dozens of times. Fullback Patrick Ricard delivered a textbook kick-out block on safety Grant Delpit, creating a lane so wide, Andrews had time to adjust his stride before diving into the end zone. It was the first rushing touchdown of Andrews’ eight-year career. And it came at the most critical moment.

Shedeur Sanders’ Debut: Promise Amid Pain

For the Browns, the night belonged to Shedeur Sanders. The son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, the 21-year-old rookie entered the game in the second quarter after Gabriel completed 7 of 10 passes for 68 yards. Sanders showed poise — immediately connecting with tight end Harold Fannin Jr. for a 25-yard gain on his first NFL snap. He looked calm under pressure, even when Kyle Hamilton and Keyon Martin combined for three sacks. But the Ravens’ defense, relentless and disciplined, made him pay for mistakes. His final drive, down 23-16, ended on fourth-and-5 at Baltimore’s 25-yard line. A pass to David Njoku floated too high. The ball fell incomplete. The game was over.

It was a debut full of flashes — but also of inexperience. Sanders completed 11 of 17 passes for 112 yards. He didn’t turn the ball over. But he didn’t deliver the clutch drive his team needed. The Browns’ offense, already hampered by the loss of starting tackle Cam Robinson to a knee injury in the second quarter, never found rhythm after halftime. The defense, which had dominated early, couldn’t hold the line when it mattered most.

A Turning Point for Two Franchises

For the Ravens, this win was more than just a comeback. It was their fourth straight victory, their first season sweep of Cleveland since 2020, and proof they can win ugly. At 6-5, they’re back in the AFC playoff hunt — and they’ve shown they can execute under pressure, even when Jackson isn’t at his best. The ‘Hurricane’ play? It’s now part of Ravens lore. Coaches will show it to rookies for years.

For the Browns, the loss drops them to 2-8. It’s not just about the record — it’s about identity. They’ve lost eight of nine. Their offense is inconsistent. Their defense, once a strength, is fraying. And now, the weight of a rookie quarterback’s debut has been added to the pile. Sanders showed flashes of brilliance, but the team around him still looks lost. The Browns’ future may be tied to him — but right now, the present is bleak.

What’s Next? The Road Ahead

The Ravens host the New York Jets on November 23, 2025 — a critical game as they fight for a wild-card spot. Baltimore’s defense, which held Cleveland to 16 points despite early struggles, will need to continue its improvement. Meanwhile, the Browns travel to Las Vegas to face the Raiders — a chance to salvage pride, but also a test of whether Sanders can lead a team through adversity.

One thing’s clear: the Ravens didn’t just win a game. They announced themselves as contenders. And the Browns? They’re still searching for their next chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Mark Andrews’ rushing touchdown compare to other tight end TDs in NFL history?

Andrews’ 35-yard TD was his first career rushing score — a rare feat for a tight end. Since 2000, only 12 tight ends have recorded multiple rushing touchdowns, and fewer than five have had a longer one. His play was especially notable because he’s primarily known as a receiver, making this a strategic surprise. Only one other tight end, Travis Kelce, has had a longer rushing TD since 2018 — a 42-yarder in 2021.

Why was the ‘Hurricane’ play so effective against the Browns’ defense?

The Browns’ defense expected a power run or a short pass — standard fourth-and-inches tactics. Instead, Andrews, lined up under center, took the snap and ran left. The key was Patrick Ricard’s block on Grant Delpit, who bit hard on the fake push. That created a 5-yard gap. The Browns’ linebackers flowed toward the middle, leaving the edge wide open. It was a classic misdirection play, perfectly timed and executed.

How did Derrick Henry’s performance impact the game’s outcome?

Henry’s 103 yards on 18 carries kept the Ravens’ offense alive, especially in the second half when Jackson struggled. His 1-yard TD in the second quarter cut Cleveland’s lead to 13-10, and his consistent yardage chewed up clock, limiting the Browns’ possessions. Without his physical presence, Baltimore’s offense might have stalled entirely in the second half.

What does Shedeur Sanders’ debut mean for Cleveland’s future?

Sanders showed NFL-ready poise and accuracy, especially on his first drive. But he also revealed gaps in decision-making under pressure — like his final pass that floated too high. The Browns now face a dilemma: Is he the long-term answer, or should they keep developing him behind a veteran? With a 2-8 record, they may have no choice but to give him the rest of the season.

How did Cam Robinson’s injury affect Cleveland’s offense?

Robinson’s knee injury in the second quarter forced the Browns to rely on backup tackle Greg Dulcich, who was consistently overpowered by Baltimore’s edge rushers. Sanders was sacked three times after Robinson left, including a 14-yard loss that killed a potential scoring drive. The loss of their starting left tackle disrupted protection and forced quicker throws, which played into the Ravens’ defensive strengths.

What’s the significance of the Ravens sweeping the Browns for the first time since 2020?

It’s a psychological edge. The Browns have been competitive in recent matchups, but this sweep shows Baltimore has found a formula to beat them — especially in close games. It also boosts the Ravens’ tiebreakers in the AFC North, where every win matters. For Cleveland, it’s another reminder that they’re falling behind in the division, and their rivalry with Baltimore is slipping away.