| Anquan Boldin made nine receptions for 131 yards in the Ravens’ win over Cleveland on Thursday. (US Presswire) |
There’s something about the Cleveland Browns that brings the best out of receiver Anquan Boldin.
In five previous games against the Browns, Boldin had 18 catches for 300 yards and three touchdowns. Though he didn’t score a touchdown Thursday night, Boldin finished with nine receptions for 131 yards in Baltimore’s 23-16 win.
“My number was called [Thursday night],” Boldin said. “We knew coming in that it was going to be a real tough game coming off of a short week and having a division opponent come in. We knew we were going to have a battle, and I think we were prepared for it.”
Boldin did his damage in the second half. At halftime, he only had one reception for six yards. On Baltimore’s first drive of the second half, Boldin caught three passes for 60 yards.
“He had an awesome night,” quarterback Joe Flacco said. “When we were struggling a little bit, we looked for him, and he came up big for us.”
Kruger’s claim: Outside linebacker Paul Kruger had a costly penalty that gave Cleveland one last shot from Baltimore’s 18 yard line to tie the game and send it to overtime.
With Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden chucking up a Hail Mary that fell incomplete in the end zone, Kruger was flagged for unnecessary roughness after getting tangled with left tackle Joe Thomas. The penalty moved the Browns up 15 yards and gave them another try.
The only problem in Kruger’s eyes was that the penalty should never have been assessed. He insists that Thomas put on his best performance in hopes of an Academy Award.
“I was just getting held pretty bad and I threw my hands to get him off me,” Kruger said. “And he flopped, pretty bad.
Kruger’s listed at 6-4, 265 pounds. Thomas is 6-6, 312 pounds.
“I wish I was that strong,” Kruger said. “I’d be doing that every play.”
Ellerbe’s sympathy: Linebacker Dannell Ellerbe was trying to make a play on Browns receiver and return specialist Joshua Cribbs in the first quarter on a punt return.
After long snapper Morgan Cox initiated contact first with Cribbs, Ellerbe ran in to help finish the tackle. He led with his shoulder, which connected to Cribbs’ helmet. Cribbs' helmet flew off and he hit his head on the turf -- hard. Cribbs then received an inadvertent cleat to his face from backup running back Anthony Allen to his face, as Allen tried to recover Cribbs' fumble.
It was a scary moment for Cribbs, who was motionless for a few seconds before walking off under his own power. He left the game and did not return.
"I just thought I got a good shot on him," Ellerbe said. "You're not trying to hurt anybody or knock anybody out like that. I like him as a player. I just hope he's all right. I said a prayer for him.”
Cribbs fumbled on the play, which was recovered by Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain. The play was not penalized.
Ravens honor Jamal Lewis: Former running back Jamal Lewis was inducted into Baltimore’s Ring of Honor at halftime during Thursday night’s game. Lewis played with the Ravens from 2000-2007 and finished his career in Cleveland.
“It’s a good way to go out, being brought back and being recognized,” Lewis said. “It’s just a good way to go out as a Raven.”
Follow Ravens reporter Jason Butt on Twitter @CBSRavens and @JasonButtCBS.