Browns Vs. Ravens: 3 Reasons for Pessimism
Nov 3, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) gets set to run a play against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns face off against the rival, and former Browns, Baltimore Ravens tomorrow. In preparation for the game we brought you Browns Vs. Ravens: 5 Reasons for Optimism (New Window) yesterday. And while we are highly optimistic people we still are realistic about what could happen tomorrow and so today we bring you 3 reasons to be pessimistic going into Browns Vs. Ravens (click the next button or use your arrow keys to flip pages):
While the Browns have already faced off against 2 great quarterbacks, Joe Flacco brings a different look than either of the others. He is big like Ben Roethlisberger but far less mobile. Yet different than Big Ben is his willingness to stay in the pocket and deliver strikes on target, similar to Drew Brees but much, much bigger.
Flacco has also had a great deal of success against the Browns, sitting with a 11 – 1 record. His offensive line is player very well and he has a great variety of targets that could make the game tomorrow problematic for the Browns. Torrey Smith hasn’t had any big games yet so he might be due. Steve Smith is the same gritty, tough receiver that he was in Carolina but now seems healthy. Dennis Pitta and Owen Daniels are very good receiving threats at tight end. Flacco has a ton of options to go against the Browns.
With Flacco’s size the Browns have something extra to worry about: finishing sacks. Barkevious Mingo in particular has struggled to finish off sacks when he gets to the QB. The Browns may be able to get pressure with 4 but if that pressure doesn’t get him to the ground, and Flacco slides out of the pocket, all of the weapons in the receiving game could cause the Browns trouble.
Flacco’s huge arm could also cause issues for an aggressive secondary. Donte Whitner, Joe Haden and Buster Skrine all like to be physical and jump routes. Whitner also likes to play down in the box some, leaving over the top coverage a concern. With Flacco’s ability to put the ball on the money 40 yards down the field Tashaun Gipson will be even more important. Flacco is a reason for pessimism for tomorrows Browns Vs. Ravens match-up.