CLEVELAND – No person places Jordan Elliott in a nook.
Even though now not rather as dramatic as the enduring raise scene to “Grimy Dancing” popularity, Browns defensive take on Elliott made the purpose that he took benefit of Baltimore Ravens guard Ben Powers giving him a boost on a a very powerful blocked purpose.
The play averted the Ravens from developing a major risk past due within the Browns’ 13-3 win on a chilly and snowy Saturday evening at FirstEnergy Stadium. And the victory of the Browns (6-8) harm the Ravens (9-5) of their race with the Cincinnati Bengals (9-4) for the AFC North name.
“I used to be in a position to get between the snapper and the bouncer, and I simply jumped in,” Elliott advised the Beacon Magazine after the sport. The object, despite the fact that, [Powers] He was once seeking to tip me over, so he gave me some peak, and I used to be in a position to position my hand up.”
5-time Ravens’ Justin Tucker is thought of as the MVP in NFL historical past. No longer simplest did Elliott block Tucker’s 50-yard box purpose with 14:02 closing within the fourth quarter, however Elliott rose top sufficient for the ball to hit his proper forearm as a substitute of simply his fingertips or hand.
Elliott can thank Powers and in all probability lengthy snapper Nick Moore for the assist. Powers coated up at proper guard at the play, hooked his left arm round Elliott’s left leg and stood because the ball struck the defender’s arm. Moore additionally looked as if it would give a contribution to Elliott’s uplift.
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To start with, I assumed [Elliott] Browns All-Professional defensive finish Miles Jarrett stated. “I assumed he jumped up and were given it, after which I noticed he was once lifted up like he was once a ballerina or one thing. He were given up there and nearly grabbed it together with his large previous hand, which was once one hell of a play.”
“I could not actually see it [live]. I had to have a look at it from replay. All I noticed was once that the ball was once hit at about 15, 20 yards. However, guy, for him to make this sort of play when he is the Corridor of Reputation kicker at the different aspect, Justin Tucker, that is only a self belief spice up.”
Elliott did not actually include the speculation of the blocked kick wearing extra weight as it got here from Tucker’s foot.
“Larger than that for me, it was once an in depth fit,” stated Elliott. “Making that box purpose will have been a sport changer. I believe like that was once the largest factor, simply ensuring we saved our 10-point lead.”
Tucker hardly ever misses, however he had a tricky trip towards the Browns. As time expired in the second one quarter, his 48-yard box purpose sailed left, and the Ravens trailed 6-3 at halftime.
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Browns cornerback Denzel Ward dashed vast at the left aspect of the protection and carried out power as Tucker shot. Elliott admitted he was once distraught that Tucker had neglected out, despite the fact that he idea Ward will have performed an element.
“It indisputably impacts the kick every time the kicker feels power,” Elliott stated. “Someone can reduce to rubble their rhythm, reduce to rubble their focal point, no matter. Any little factor they are now not used to can for sure throw them off.”
The rout and save got here after Tucker kicked a 53-yard box purpose with 5:31 closing in the second one quarter, marking Baltimore’s simplest issues with Ravens backup quarterback Tyler Huntley whilst rookie Lamar Jackson recovers from a knee damage.
Elliott is in the midst of his first season as a full-time starter, and he is steadily been difficult. He entered the weekend ranked 116th out of 126 certified D tackles via ProFootballFocus.com in 2022.
Alternatively, the cluster proved to be a shiny spot. Elliott hasn’t blocked a box purpose since 2019, when he was once a redshirt junior at Missouri. The Browns drafted him within the 3rd spherical (88th general) the next yr.
“I all the time hope he has the ones large performs and does it as a result of I really like the fellow, now not simply as a participant however as an individual,” stated Wyatt Teller, proper guard for the Browns Professional Bowl. “So that you can see him be successful and get that kick, that is the most productive shot ever, I feel. So that you could do this, that is a large number of time.”
In different phrases, elevating just a little crow helped Elliot have the time of his existence.
Nate Ulrich may also be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com.
On Twitter: @worker.