As tough as the loss to New York was to swallow, the Ravens have an excellent opportunity to rebound this week.
Beating the Browns would bring the Ravens a winning record, as well as a 2-0 record within the division. It would create considerable distance between them and the Browns. Furthermore, a win Sunday would get Baltimore right back on track ahead of a short week when it goes on the road to face the Buccaneers on Thursday night October 27th.
For as many errors as the Ravens have made this season, the vast majority of them have been self-inflicted. While fixing everything in the span of one week isn’t realistic, you can reasonably say they have more going for them than do the Browns.
As teams approach November, identities are still forming, but the time to make substantial adjustments is coming to an end. This will be no cakewalk for Baltimore. I think they can win, for sure, but it won’t be easy. Here are three way the Ravens can claim win number four this Sunday.
Make Brissett beat you
Jacoby Brissett has thrown four interceptions and has been sacked five times in his last three games (all losses). Cleveland relies heavily on Nick Chubb and its ground game, but if the Ravens establish an early lead, the Browns are less likely to run and more likely to pass.
So, by scoring points early, the Ravens offense can help their defense. Brissett is capable of making plays (he’s excellent at quarterback sneaks), but I’m sure Baltimore’s coaching staff would choose to defend against Cleveland’s passing game instead of Cleveland’s running game.
Even without Marcus Williams, I predict the Ravens secondary to record multiple interceptions on Sunday afternoon. If the Ravens offense can turn those into 10 or 14 points, it should be game over for the Browns.
Turnovers
Baltimore’s last three games against Cleveland were decided by one score. Field position is always at the forefront of priorities in these games, and this week is no different. In football, you play to your strengths and exposes your opponent’s weaknesses.
These two teams are on opposite ends of the turnover spectrum. The Ravens are tied for 2nd (+4) and the Browns are ranked 26th (-3). Save for the end of last week’s game, Baltimore has been very good about ball security. If they can shake off the end of the Giants game and refocus, the Ravens have a chance to put a beatdown on the Browns.
Cleveland has given the ball away eight times in six games. Even if Baltimore just gets one extra possession this week, that could be the very opening they need to kick a game-winning field goal.
Stretch the defense
The Browns defense, while having some good individual players, has struggled as a unit. They’re tied for 22nd in pass defense, allowing 361 passing yards per game, and are tied for 23rd in sacks recorded (11). Not only are they not getting pressure on the quarterback, but they’re also not covering well in the back end.
J.K. Dobbins is still working his way back into game shape, so an emphasis on the pass game could help temper his reps. That said, if he and Kenyan Drake can continue the Ravens run success on the edge on the reps they do get, Browns defenders will be forced to widen alignment and coverage, which will then open up Greg Roman’s play action passing game.
If there was a week where the Ravens ought to do their job and try anything spectacular, this is it.
Vegas
By now we know that, despite talent discrepancy, no lead is safe at home for the Ravens. Vegas has Baltimore listed as 6-point favorites and has set the point total at 46.5. I can’t see giving any more than four points (and that’s a stretch) on behalf of the Ravens at this point. I think they win, and go to 2-0 in the division, but I’m taking the Browns and the points against the spread.
Prediction: Ravens 27, Browns 23 (Browns +6, over 46.5)
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
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