Browns Vs. Ravens: 5 Reasons For Optimism

Sep 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine celebrates after defeating the New Orleans Saints 26-24 at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Know Thy Enemy

The Browns run a zone blocking scheme in practice and all Training Camp long. The Ravens run a very similar ZBS as well under Gary Kubiak. The Browns defense should be keyed up for what the Ravens want to do in the running game. Kyle Shanahan can provide information on the Ravens offensive coordinator from their time in Houston. Shanahan left Houston a couple years ago and developed his own style out from under Kubiak. At the same time Kubiak stayed with the Texans as the head coach, running the same system year after year.

Mike Pettine also has a history that will help the Browns know they enemy. Pettine was the linebacker coach under Ravens coach John Harbaugh in Baltimore. Pettine knows a lot of the ins and outs of Harbaugh. He also is familiar with star defenders Haloti Ngata and Terrell Suggs as well. Like Shanahan, Pettine has moved on to 2 different stops after Baltimore and before Cleveland. Pettine has had time to develop and change in new settings, where Harbaugh has had the same role. Pettine’s knowledge of Joe Flacco will also be helpful as well.