Ravens hang on

By Tom Withers, The Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Ray Lewis couldn't do anything but watch — and wince — as the Cleveland Browns rallied. For the second time in six days, Lewis made a national TV game his own prime-time special as the Baltimore Ravens built a big lead and held on for a 26-21 victory Sunday. (Related item: Box score)

But when his teammates needed their star linebacker the most, Lewis couldn't help them. He hurt his left shoulder late in the third quarter and did not return.

"I was cheering on the sideline," Lewis said. "I banged it bad, and you know me, I want to play. But coach said we have a long season, and to take a seat."

Before he left, Lewis had an interception, forced a fumble that he recovered and made four tackles.

When he was injured, the Browns (2-3) trailed 23-0, but with starting quarterback Tim Couch sitting dazed on the bench with a concussion, Cleveland rallied behind Kelly Holcomb.

After recovering an onside kick, the Browns moved the ball to the Ravens 17 in the final minute, but Holcomb's final pass was picked off by safety Ed Reed.

"I guess I saved the best for last," Reed said. "We weren't going to give up because we lost Ray. Ray's the guy that has taught us that you go all-out no matter what."

Following the game, Couch, who was booed by Browns fans before getting hurt, broke down while firing back at his critics.

"I've been here four years now, and laid it on the line for this team and city," he said, his eyes filled with tears. "For them to turn on me and boo me in my home stadium is a joke. It's hard to take, man."

Brandon Stokley caught two TD passes from Chris Redman as the Ravens (2-2), who looked pitiful in their first two games this season, moved into first place in the weak AFC North.

"Whew," Ravens coach Brian Billick said. "It's a huge game. To come in here against Cleveland, which was leading the division and now we are."

Matt Stover had four field goals and Jamal Lewis ran for 187 yards for Baltimore, which was coming off an impressive win on Monday night over previously unbeaten Denver.

Couch suffered a slight concussion after being hit by several Ravens early in the fourth. He finished 16-of-26 for 216 yards and threw two interceptions.

"I got hit in the back of the head diving for the ball," Couch said. "And the next thing I know, the fans are cheering when I'm laying on the field hurt. I think it's crap, to be honest with you."

Holcomb threw a 37-yard TD pass to Dennis Northcutt with 7:53 left and another to Northcutt with 58 seconds to go. Holcomb, who started the Browns' first two games while Couch rested an injured elbow, went 13-of-23 for 180 yards.

"We probably didn't deserve a chance to come back," Browns coach Butch Davis said. "But I'll give our guys credit for guts and effort and for refusing to quit."

On Monday night, Lewis almost beat the Broncos by himself. He earned AFC defensive player of the week honors after getting 20 tackles, an interception and throwing the key block on Chris McAlister's NFL-record 107-yard TD return.

Lewis wasn't quite as dominant against the Browns, but No. 52 was all over the field again, making several big plays that turned the game in Baltimore's favor.

Trailing 13-0, the Browns got the ball to open the second half, but Lewis took it away with a play that showcased his field awareness and speed.

Couch completed a pass to wide receiver Quincy Morgan, who cut across the field for a 22-yard gain when Lewis caught him from behind and punched the ball loose with his right hand.

Lewis recovered at Cleveland's 44, and the Ravens capitalized when Redman hit Stokley for a 35-yard TD to make it 20-0.

Later in the quarter, Lewis was scrambling for a loose ball behind the line and seemed to jam his shoulder as he hit the ground.

Lewis' interception early in the second quarter set up Stover's 43-yard field goal in the second quarter that put the Ravens up 10-0.

Lewis was in the middle of things again on Cleveland's next possession. On 3rd-and-1 at the 29, Lewis helped stack the line and stuff Browns rookie running back William Green for no gain.

The Ravens went into the locker room leading 13-0 when Stover kicked a 28-yard field goal on the final play of the first half.

Redman's 30-yard TD pass to Stokley gave the Ravens a 7-0 lead in the second quarter.

Notes: Browns starting CB Corey Fuller sat out with a leg injury. Anthony Henry started in his place. ... Ravens C Mike Flynn sprained his left ankle in the second quarter and returned for just one play. ... Browns OT Ross Verba also had a concussion and S Robert Griffith sprained his right shoulder.