Bart Scott: Browns Better Defense and Skilled Players Than Ravens

The Cleveland Browns face off with the Baltimore Ravens today. We will have some thoughts for what we expect and predict for today’s game a little later. But this morning on CBS Bart Scott, former NFL linebacker, had some strong, positive words about the Browns today. Take a look and listen here:

Those are huge statements. We will look at each individually:

1. The Browns defense is better – Yep. It may seem simple but the Browns are far better on the defensive side of the ball. Their depth and talent is unique and has come together over the last game and a half. While Terrell Suggs and Haloti Ngata may be the two of the 3 best defenders on the field, not a given that they join Joe Haden, the rest of the Baltimore defense gives you far less concern. They can still be productive but that will come from a scheme not talent.
2. Justin Gilbert has to step up – Nope. Gilbert stepping up would be great, and he will have to sometime in the next year or so. Right now he is a rookie who is learning his craft. As a rookie he will make mistakes but the pressure is not on him. Buster Skrine has played well and pushes Gilbert’s role down a notch. If he were to step up quickly the Browns could have a Top 3 defense today.
3. Miles Austin hamstrings are leased – Yep. The Browns have to be, and have been very careful with Austin to this point. If they can get him through 10 games before Gordon returns the Browns will be sitting pretty. If he stays healthy all year the Browns’ Genie would be all out of wishes.
4. The Browns have the better skilled position players – Hmmm… It is an interesting conversation. The Ravens have Torrey Smith and Steve Smith with Dennis Pitta and Owen Daniels at tight end. Their running back situation is far less impressive. The Browns counter with 2 solid rookie runners in Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell to go along with Jordan Cameron, expected to play today, Austin and Andrew Hawkins, PFF’s 3rd ranked receiver. The Ravens players are more proven and have bigger play threat on the outside while the Browns players fit their scheme better. No right answer but nice to know we are in that conversation.

What is interesting to me is that if Scott believes all of this to be true than the only reason he would pick the Ravens, we don’t have his prediction yet, is his belief in Joe Flacco over Brian Hoyer. With this analysis so far it seems he clearly believes in Mike Pettine, his old coach, and the Cleveland Browns.

What do you think of his statements?