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Cleveland Browns: Storylines to watch vs. the Ravens

By Eric Szczepinski

Nov 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 11, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) celebrates as he run in for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) celebrates as he run in for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Will McCown dominate the Ravens secondary once again? 

Last season in Baltimore, the savvy veteran quarterback led the Browns to a 33-30 overtime win. McCown had a career day as he passed for 457 yards and for two scores. He had the Ravens secondary guessing all game as he was accurate and pushed the ball downfield. McCown also had a great connection with Gary Barnidge on the day as Barnidge hauled in eight balls for 139 yards.

McCown doesn’t need to duplicate this performance for the Browns to have a chance in the home opener. However, the veteran quarterback must keep drives alive for the offense and convert on key third downs. His job isn’t to light up the box score each week, but to give the team and offense an opportunity to succeed by distributing the ball to his playmakers and making smart, accurate decisions with the ball. McCown has the support of players and coaches to lead the team over the course of the season. Wide receiver Terrelle Pryor stated his support for his new quarterback saying, know he is going to fit right in there:

"“He is going to be awesome Sunday. I can’t wait. I can’t wait to go play for him and I can’t wait to catch balls from him. It is going to be awesome.”"

Coach Jackson also believes in Mccown’s ability to lead the team and believes the team is rallying around him:

"“But I think Josh has shown that he is very capable. I think it would be different if people had not seen Josh play here and he did not have the success at times that he has had here, I think it would be different. But I think we know what we are getting. I think they know what kind of leader and what type of person he is and how he prepares, and so I think the offense is excited to go out there and play with him.”"

The key for McCown on Sunday is to play turnover-free football to give the Browns the best chance to win. When in trouble he must utilize his tight end Gary Barnidge and get him the ball. Last week, Barnidge was only targeted twice resulting in two dropped passes. Mccown’s go-to receiver last year was his big tight end, so expect that connection to continue between Barnidge and McCown this Sunday. If Josh and the offense can covert on third downs and sustain long drives for the offense, the Browns will be in the game late in the fourth quarter.

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