BALTIMORE 17, CLEVELAND 10 : This Victory a Moving Experience for Modell

For one of the few times since his move from Cleveland, Art Modell celebrated a significant victory.

Stoney Case scored two touchdowns in his first start at quarterback for Baltimore, and the team formerly known as the Cleveland Browns beat the expansion version, 17-10, Sunday.

The Browns (0-3) hoped to provide the city of Cleveland a measure of revenge against Modell, who moved the franchise to Baltimore after the 1995 season.

Instead, Modell watched Baltimore record its first victory under Coach Brian Billick. The Ravens are 17-33-1 since the move and have yet to have a winning season, but this game was terribly important to Modell and his struggling franchise.

“That’s great for Art. This is pretty big for him,” said Raven linebacker Peter Boulware, who had two sacks. “It’s good to get a win, especially against Cleveland, and I’m proud of that.”

Billick was seemingly happier for Modell than he was for himself.

“We all have an affection for Art and what the history has been,” he said. “I think this is important for us.”

The Ravens (1-2) held rookie Tim Couch to 37 yards passing through three quarters and overcame three interceptions by Case, who was more of threat running than passing.

Case, who replaced an ineffective Scott Mitchell in last week’s loss to Pittsburgh, had 57 yards in 11 carries and was 12 for 25 for 165 yards.

Couch was 13 for 32 for 123 yards and for the second consecutive game threw a touchdown pass to Kevin Johnson.

The Browns and Ravens play again Nov. 7 at Cleveland.