OWINGS MILLS, Md. – While a throng of media arrived at team headquarters on Monday to dive into the latest round of drama surrounding the Ray Rice situation, the Baltimore Ravens players were basking in the afterglow of a quietly critical road win at the Cleveland Browns the previous day.

The Ravens improved to 2-1 on the season and picked up a crucial AFC North win on the road at Cleveland on Sunday, especially after dropping their home-opener to division foe Cincinnati. Baltimore put together another gutsy performance in what was a typical AFC North slugfest. The Ravens out-gained the Browns 377 to 375 and overcame an interception by quarterback Joe Flacco.

Most important, the Ravens responded with a hard-fought win in what is always a tough, hostile environment for them.

“We’ve been playing tough games against the Browns for many years and they are even better than they have ever been before,” coach Jim Harbaugh said. “They are extremely well coached, they are physical and tough. That was AFC North football. It is a great victory on the road. To win an AFC North game on the road this year is going to be really, really hard to do. Our guys stepped up and did it. I am proud of our men.”

The running game was again one of the bright spots. With Bernard Pierce out with a thigh injury and incumbent starter Ray Rice off the team, the Ravens were forced to use rookie running back Lorenzo Taliaferro. The 2014 fourth-round pick responded with 91 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown in his first regular-season game.

Harbaugh was impressed the way Taliaferro responded and showed no fear on the big stage.

“I think the results speak for themselves with Lorenzo,” Harbaugh said. “He was downhill running, physical and was hard to tackle. That is an element that is a big plus for an offense. That goes with our offensive line as well, our offensive line played very well.”

Veteran Justin Forsett also had 11 carries for 63 yards. As a team, the Ravens outgained the Browns 160 to 91 yards on the ground. Forsett said it was important for Baltimore to set the tone.

“We wanted to establish the run,” Forsett said. “You have to when you play on the road and you’re playing a tough divisional game. We wanted to establish the run and take control of the clock.”

Another bright spot was the Flacco-Steve Smith combination. Smith had another big game with five receptions and 101 yards. He also caught a 32-yard pass with 1:28 left to set up Justin Tucker’s game-winning field goal.

“It was for moments like that that we brought Steve Smith in here, and for everything else that he brings,” Harbaugh said. “I have been a big admirer of Steve for many years, ever since the draft when he came out. We’ve always had a great relationship and I am just happy that the Ravens and the Ravens fans have a chance for him to be part of us. I think he is happy to be here too.”

The victory did come with a steep price tag, with tight end Dennis Pitta lost to a season-ending dislocated hip.

When the Ravens look at tape this week, they will have to find ways to play better defensively. The secondary struggled again to avoid big plays. Safety Matt Elam was beat for a long pass in the fourth quarter and Lardarius Webb looks like he will need some time to grasp the speed of the game after missing the entire preseason with a back injury.

Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer completed 19 of 25 passes for 290 yards and a touchdown with no turnovers. The secondary, however, cannot be fully blamed for some of the defense’s struggles.

The Ravens also did not record a sack on the day, which put pressure on the corners and safeties. In the end, Baltimore was just happy to come out with a victory and the players expect to improve when the Carolina Panthers visit M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday.

“We have done it before,” linebacker Terrell Suggs said. “You’re only as good as the last time you did it, but we know that this defense is capable of making plays and winning the game. We were all sitting on the edge of our seat until the field goal went in.”

— TE Dennis Pitta suffered another devastating injury to his right hip and had to be carted off the field. It was the same area where he underwent surgery and missed the beginning of last season. Ravens coach John Harbaugh confirmed Pitta underwent season-ending surgery Monday.

“I don’t know the ramifications of that long term,” Harbaugh said. “I’m going to be really hopeful for Dennis’ return.”

The players were also shaken up by the injury.

“When you’re in the middle of a game, you don’t think too much about that stuff, but yeah, it’s not easy,” quarterback Joe Flacco said. “Dennis is a good friend. He’s a good teammate and he’s a hell of a player. No matter who it is, it’s tough to see it happen. When it looks like it might be what it is or it might be serious, it’s not too easy.

Like I said, I think in the middle of the game, you kind of just go out and complete a play and keep your mind off of it. It’s going to be rough over the next day or two just thinking about it or talking to him and seeing how he feels about it. I know last time he got hurt, he was pretty optimistic about everything. It’ll be interesting to talk to him. It’s tough.”

REPORT CARD VS. BROWNS

PASSING OFFENSE: B-minus – The Ravens did not exactly dismantle the Browns’ secondary, but they made plays when they needed them. Quarterback Joe Flacco completed 19 of 31 passes for 217 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He had a quarterback rating of 79.6. However, his 32-yard pass to Steve Smith with 1:28 left to set up Justin Tucker’s game-winning field goal. Smith had five catches for 101 yards.

RUSHING OFFENSE: A-minus — Baltimore’s rushing attack once again set the tone for much of the game. Rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro had 91 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown in his first regular-season game. Veteran Justin Forsett also had 11 carries for 63 yards. The Ravens outgained the Browns 160 to 91 yards on the ground. A healthy balance with running and throwing will be crucial for the Baltimore’s offense going forward.

PASS DEFENSE: C-minus — Cornerback Lardarius Webb played his first game after dealing with a lower back injury. However, the secondary simply gave up too many big plays and struggled with tackling. This group is going to have to play better, especially when facing more veteran, marquee quarterbacks and receivers.

RUSH DEFENSE: B – Baltimore’s defensive line held Cleveland’s runners to 91 yards on 29 carries, an average of 3.1 yards per carry. This also helped the Ravens win the time of possession battle, 30:55 to 29:05. However, Baltimore did not get a sack on Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A – Justin Tucker continues to be one of Baltimore’s most dangerous weapons. He converted all three of his field-goal attempts, including the game-winner from 32 yards as time expired. Sam Koch had three punts for 152 yards (50.7 yards per kick) and the Browns did not have any dangerous returns. The Ravens did not have any kickoff or punt returns.

COACHING: A-minus – John Harbaugh once again had his team ready to play in a hostile environment. The Ravens also continue to deal with off-the-field distractions with the Ray Rice domestic violence issue. Defensive coordinator Dean Pees must still tighten up his unit. However, offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak stuck to the run when it was working and then Flacco made the big plays at the end when they were needed most.