John Harbaugh says Ravens Week 9 game a 'must-win'

Baltimore Ravens' head coach John Harbaugh has declared his team's game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday as a "must-win" situation, says ESPN.com's Jamison Hensley.

Harbaugh's team has only lost two games this season, but one was a 43-13 shellacking at the hands of the Houston Texans on Oct. 21 in which the Ravens' defense allowed 420 total yards. It was an effort that has Harbaugh trying to stir up some urgency within his group before their Week 9 game:

"As far as I am concerned, it's a must-win game. Obviously, we'll have eight games after that game, so it won't be the last game. In my mind, we need to win that game this week, and I know Cleveland feels the same way, and they are going to be all loaded up the same way. I am standing by my words – I want to win that game."

Although the Ravens won four consecutive games prior to the disastrous performance in Houston, none of the victories came in convincing fashion. Each contest was settled by a touchdown or less, including the Ravens' 23-16 win over the Browns on Sep. 27. Quarterback Joe Flacco threw for 356 yards and accounted for two scores in the win.

Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday from Cleveland, Ohio. The game will be televised on CBS.