Browns vs. Ravens: 5 questions with Ebony Bird
We caught up with Chris Schisler of Ebony Bird to learn more about the Baltimore Ravens before the Week 2 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
The Cleveland Browns have had a rough few days. From the 29-10 loss to open the season to the news that Robert Griffin III is out for at least the next eight weeks, things are falling apart and it is still September. So it goes in Cleveland.
The Browns enter Sunday’s Week 2 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens with low expectations from fans, who are just hoping for a competitive game.
The Ravens finished 2015 with a record of 5-11, but had a great defensive performance this past Sunday in a 13-7 victory over the Buffalo BIlls. That sort of defensive dominance may spell doom for a Browns offense who only put up 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
To learn more about the Ravens before Sunday’s game we caught up with Chris Schisler of Ebony Bird and asked him a few questions. And yes, the “kick six” unfortunately came up.
1. The Ravens held the Bills to just seven points last Sunday. Was that more a reflection of a great Ravens defense or a lackluster Bills offense?
Chris: You have to credit the Ravens defense. It’s just one week but it looks like Ravens defense is once again a monster. The defensive front seven throttled the Bills and allowed LeSean McCoy little chance to get going. Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods did practically nothing. The Ravens only got one sack but the pass rush was phenomenal.
When you look at the Ravens defense, fear it. They did all of that without Elvis Dumervil playing. Dean Pees trusts the secondary for a change. That allows him to be more inventive and aggressive.
The Ravens defense has the talent. Pees probably just called the best game since he’s been the Ravens defensive coordinator. The Bills aren’t exactly the Green Bay Packers but they’re respectable. The Ravens defense is legit.
2. Are the Ravens poised for the playoffs in 2016 after a 5-11 record in 2015?
Chris: Absolutely. The Ravens have won a playoff game in six of the past eight years. They have a franchise quarterback and head coach who have seen it all. From 5-11 to the Super Bowl mountain top the Ravens have a wealth of experience to draw from.
The Ravens also have a front end of the schedule that could see them rack up some wins. With Ravens defense showing signs of being mighty once again, all we need is for the offense to start to gel.
The Ravens have a chance to do something special this year. While you may not want to hear it, last year was a one time thing. The Ravens are back.
3. Who are some Ravens players Browns fans must keep an eye on as difference makers in Sunday’s game?
Chris: You may not have heard of this rookie from Grand Valley State, Matt Judon. He is an incredible talent that made a surprisingly big impact in week one. Judon has a chance to be the next Terrell Suggs.
Timmy Jernigan is really playing great in this young season. The third year defensive end may finally be tapping into his off the charts potential.
On offense, Mike Wallace seems to be the guy to watch. Wallace had almost all of the Ravens handful of big plays against the Bills. Dennis Pitta, by the way, seems to be the top tight end. His chemistry with Joe Flacco makes him a lethal weapon in clutch situations.
4. Last time these two teams met, the Ravens broke the hearts of Cleveland with the infamous “kick six” blocked field goal return touchdown. What was the feeling in Baltimore after that game?
Chris: Honestly, we just wanted the season to end. We were mad at ourselves ten minutes after celebrating the win. In a lost season, the draft position mattered more. It was fun for a moment. We just wanted to fast forward to next season as Ravens fans. We’re not used to losing.
5. What is your prediction for Sunday’s game?
Chris: Sorry guys. I have the Ravens winning 24-0. The Browns will play us tough. It won’t be a massacre but it won’t be pretty either. If the Ravens defense is as good as I think it is, the Browns offense is in trouble. This will be payback for Josh McCown lighting up last year’s team like a Christmas tree.