The 0-2 Cleveland Browns, led by QB Brady Quinn, come to Baltimore to face the 2-0 Ravens in an AFC North clash.
It is pretty hard to envision a scenario where the Browns keep this game close.
Vegas has made the Ravens a 13.5 point favorite.
From a Ravens perspective, it is important to take control of the game early, and not allow an inferior team to believe they can compete.
From a Browns perspective, there is nothing to lose, and plenty to prove. That is often the ingredients for an inspired effort, that can be boosted by apathy from the opposition.
There are certainly interesting things to take notice of with this game.
Cleveland is attempting to build-up as an organization, and for the second-time, has entrusted the GM position to a former Ravens executive. This time it is George Kokinis, the former Ravens Director of Player Personnel that has replaced Phil Savage.
Mr. Kokinis was able to add some talent to the Browns in the draft. The Browns originally held the 5th overall pick, but traded down to select their starting Center Alex Mack late in the 1st. Mack joins Left Tackle Joe Thomas, and Left Guard Eric Steinbach to form a good nucleus on the offensive-line. Unfortunately for the Browns, the right-side of their line is fairly limited.
The Browns had three 2nd-round picks, and used two of them to grab weapons for Quinn to grow with, in WR’s Brian Robiskie, and Mohammed Massaquoi. With the trade of TE Kellen Winslow, these two added depth and talent to the receiving core. It also gives the Browns the flexibility of potentially moving WR Braylon Edwards down the road.
So with some talent on the offensive-line, and some-skilled receivers, Quinn has not exactly entered his starting position with a bare cabinet. However, the reality remains that the 3rd-year player has to go through the growing pains of being a 1st-year starter.
Last week, he got to deal with starting on the road in Denver. Against a team that they should have been able to compete with, the Browns were demolished 26-7. Quinn was harassed all day, and eventually sacked 4 times, after being sacked 5 times the week before. Understanding Quinn clearly has not had a lot of time to make plays, he did not help matters with a fumble, and an INT. It will be interesting to see if part of his problem is holding onto the ball too long, as he tries to make plays.
If Quinn is going to be a long-term answer for Cleveland, the experience of playing on the road last-week, should help him this week.
Besides the right-side of the Cleveland line, another area which requires improvement is at RB.
Former Raven Jamal Lewis is starting his 3rd year for the Browns, and is probably not suited to be the every-down back. When Lewis was in his prime, he had the ability of wearing down a defense as the game progressed. He would hit you for short-gains early, pounding on opposing line-backers, and by the end of the game – those same LB’s would run away, allowing him to rip-off chunks of yards. The reports out of Cleveland are that he is running hard, but is not capable of 25+ carries, and lacks the burst to hit the homerun. This leaves the Browns with a guy better suited for short-yardage, as their starter.
Behind Lewis are a pair of 2009 rookies out of the ACC – James Davis from Clemson, and the Ravens 6th round selection Cedric Peerman. As the year progresses, I think both of them are going to get extended opportunities.
Cleveland fans have to be a lot more optimistic of the future of their offense vs. their defense. Outside of LB’s D’Qwell Jackson, and Kamerion Wimbley, there is not a lot to be excited about. Shaun Rogers can help at DT when he is motivated, which is not often. I have to imagine the Browns will attempt to trade him for a draft-pick before next season.
With the Browns’ third 2nd-round pick, they selected David Veikune, a DE at Hawaii, who is being used as a LB for the Browns.
Another LB to watch is their 4th-round selection out of USC – Kaluka Maiava.
In the Secondary, LCB Eric Wright, and the Free Safety Brodney Pool are required to provide a lot of help, to a very weak group overall.
If Eric Mangini and the Browns are going to compete Sunday, their WR/KR Joshua Cribbs is going to have to have an All-World day. The Maryland native has hurt the Ravens before, and has to game-planned for.
2009 is an interesting year of transition for the Browns, but Sunday figures to be a blood-bath.
34-7 Baltimore.
Owner
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.