It was announced yesterday that Jamal Lewis will not be in uniform for the Browns today, against his old organization.
Could this help Cleveland?
Without Lewis, this could force the Browns to abandon any inclination of trying to run the ball against the Ravens. Perhaps this forces Cleveland into spreading the field, and trying to attack Baltimore with multiple receivers.
Of course that also poses problems for Cleveland. Quinn is an inexperienced QB, that is making just his 3rd-road start. If the receivers are spread-out, and he has to make adjustments at the line, he could have trouble dealing with the crowd-noise. If that happens, look for Cleveland to go no-huddle, which will allow the Browns to get to the line quicker.
Still, crowd noise is not the only issue for the Browns passing-game. Cleveland will also be without offensive-lineman Rex Hadnot, and Floyd Womack. If you spread the field with receivers, nobody is at-home to help pick-up the blitz. Meaning the game becomes how quick can Quinn get rid of the ball, before he his hit? Additionally, does the pounding Quinn takes in the 1st-quarter, start to inhibit him by the 4th?
You could easily see the Browns having to go with Derek Anderson at some-point today. I would be more worried about the outcome today, with Anderson starting. His arm-strength would allow Cleveland to attack down the field, something that is not the strength of Quinn. We will see if Quinn’s athleticism allows him to escape any hits in the pocket today.
It should also be noted that the Brown’s starting kicker Phil Dawson is out today. They signed Billy Cundiff who is experienced, but kicking is often about timing, and things could be off for Cleveland today.
Lastly, Ravens 2009 draft-pick Cedric Peerman, who had signed with Cleveland after being released by Baltimore; was released by Cleveland yesterday.
I feel bad for Peerman, as the injury to Lewis should have provided him an opportunity today. Instead, it looks like the Cleveland running-game will fall completely on the shoulders of Rookie James Davis, who missed last-week with a shoulder-injury.
I come-back to what I said earlier this week. Unless Joshua Cribbs has the game of his life returning-kicks, I do not see Cleveland being able to complete.
34-7 Baltimore.
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Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.