Before we move on to Cleveland…wow, what a win.
The Ravens went into Pittsburgh last Sunday and dominated on defense and special teams, while playing well enough on offense to capture their ninth win of the year. The win marked the 11th time in 15 seasons that Harbaugh’s Ravens have had a winning season. That’s remarkable.
It’s remarkable from a longevity standpoint, but also because Baltimore was down to an undrafted free agent at quarterback after Tyler Huntley entered concussion protocol. Anthony Brown didn’t do much on the stat sheet, but he prevented the disastrous from happening. He helped the Ravens stay on track, not turn the ball over, and maintain their advantage in the key battle of field position.
On Tuesday, Tyler Huntley participated in practice, which was obviously a good sign (for his health and his chances to play Saturday afternoon at the Browns). Lamar Jackson may even be able to return.
As nice as it would be to have their full compliment of quarterbacks in the fold, I don’t think this game will be decided by the quarterbacks (as strange as that is to say).
Here are three matchups that I believe will be most influential in determining the outcome of this contest.
Ronnie Stanley vs. Myles Garrett
When each player is at their best, there may not be a better head-to-head matchup of pure talent along the line of scrimmage in football. In six games against the Ravens when Stanley was playing, Garrett has recorded 2 1/2 sacks. Granted, every defensive snap doesn’t need to result in a sack to disrupt the offense, but it’s definitely a win for the defense if that’s the result of a play. Sacks erode progress. They can be drive (and confidence) killers.
Say Huntley (and Jackson) can’t go on Saturday. Then, the Ravens would be down to an undrafted free agent (Anthony Brown) and a player recently signed to the practice squad (Brett Hundley) at quarterback. If that’s the case, how much more valuable is Ronnie Stanley then? Extremely. Even if Garrett lines up opposite Stanley, having the quarterback’s blindside secured grants a huge sense of confidence to that signal caller (and play caller).
Conversely, if Garrett lines up against Stanley and still wrecks plays, Baltimore would be in big trouble. Then, the quarterback will be forced to make plays off-script, and I’m not sure if Anthony Brown can do that as much as Ravens quarterbacks have needed to in the past.
J.K. Dobbins vs. Jordan Kunaszyk
You read that right. Late Tuesday afternoon, the Browns placed star will linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah on injured reserve. Owusu-Koramoah was to have been a key part of Cleveland’s defensive gameplan, given the triumphant return of J.K. Dobbins and his 120-yard performance last week in Pittsburgh.
Dobbins has waited nearly two seasons to get back into the groove, and last week he looked about as fresh as can be. Jordan Kunaszyk is the next man up at will linebacker for the Browns. Signing with Carolina in May of 2019, he’s bounced around between the Panthers, Commanders, and now the Browns.
As a matter of fact, Owusu-Koramoah, Sione Takitaki, and Jacob Phillips are all key linebackers the Browns have now lost to season-ending injuries. Just when the Ravens running backs are getting healthy, the Browns linebackers are getting depleted.
The way things have been going over the last few days, I can see both Dobbins and Gus Edwards topping 100 yards on the ground this week.
Justin Houston vs. Jedrick Wills
Justin Houston’s season has been a roller coaster ride. On July 7th, it was announced that Houston would re-sign with the Ravens. His first two games of the season: two sacks.
Then in Week 3, he injured his groin against the Patriots and missed the following three games. Upon his return (coincidentally, against the Browns), Houston proceeded to record 6 1/2 sacks in the next three games. Yet, in his last three games, he’s only recorded two total tackles.
Overall, Houston has been a massive help to a young defense and will be essential to Baltimore’s playoff run.
Jedrick Wills, the left tackle for the Browns, is having a similarly up-and-down 2022 campaign. The Browns rank 9th in sacks allowed (27). However, he’s allowed four of those 27 sacks (ranking tied for 22nd in the league). And as far as individual grades go, his isn’t good. According to Pro Football Focus, Wills has a current grade of 63.1. Now that Deshaun Watson is back under center, having vulnerable offensive lineman is all the more reason for Houston and company to go hunt on Saturday.
For as mobile as Watson is, he’s not known for marauding runs like Josh Allen or Taysom Hill. In other words, while he’s crafty in the pocket, he can definitely be sacked. The Ravens need to remind him of that this week.
Vegas
The Browns are favored, but I won’t ask questions. I’m going to take the points and not look back. I suggest you do the same. The point total is a little murkier, but I think the over is a solid bet as well.
Browns -2.5, over/under 37.5
Prediction: Ravens 23, Browns 20
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.
To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.