BALTIMORE — A game that featured nearly 800 yards in offense, an interception return for a touchdown, helmet-loosening hits and a thrilling finish may best be remembered for what it didn’t have: Controversy over the officiating.

The regular officials returned to the field Thursday night, and they nearly had to work overtime on their first day back. Rookie Brandon Weeden misfired on two passes into the end zone in the final seconds, allowing the Baltimore Ravens to escape with a 23-16 win over the Cleveland Browns.

The regular refs were delighted to return, and the players and coaches were happy to see them.

“Awesome having those guys back. Good to see familiar faces,” Ravens safety Ed Reed said.

Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis, who hugged referee Gene Steratore before the game, said, “It was the first time I really got excited about the referees. I’m glad we got to the point where it was settled because the game, as we saw, was suffering.”

Steratore and his crew had to deal with a wild finish before calling it a night.

Cleveland (0-4) began its final drive with 1:05 to go on its own 10. Weeden moved the Browns to the Baltimore 33 before a fourth-down pass into the end zone fell incomplete. But a personal foul penalty on Baltimore linebacker Paul Kruger gave the Browns one more chance.

That pass sailed out of the end zone.

Joe Flacco went 28 for 46 for 356 yards, threw one touchdown and ran for another. Cary Williams returned an interception 63 yards for a score at the end of the third quarter that gave the Ravens (3-1) a 23-10 lead.