Cleveland Browns vs Ravens: Do we predict a bounce back win?

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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens is sacked by outside linebacker Christian Kirksey #58 of the Cleveland Browns in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Writer: Elliot Kennel

Game: Baltimore Ravens (3-1) at Cleveland Browns (1-2-1)

Summary: The Browns are improving, and could be 4-0 were it not for disastrous special teams, self-inflicted wounds and considerable help from the officials. However, it is also worth pointing out that the best team they have played is New Orleans. The Steelers are normally tough but without Le’Veon Bell and Ryan Shazier they might be closer to average.

The Jets and Raiders are both tanking for draft position this year and not really interested in winning football games. Hence, although it’s true that the Browns could be 4-0, it’s also true that the Ravens are the toughest opponent they have faced this year. The Ravens defense doesn’t give up many points. They have the fourth-ranked defense overall and are giving up only 16.3 points per game. That’s the same as the Bears, and not far from Jacksonville’s defense at 14.0 points per game.

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This is serious trouble. Quarterbacks are completing only 53.0 percent of their passes against the Ravens (lowest in the NFL), and average only 193 yards per game, with a passer rating of 69.1. To put that in perspective, Brandon Weeden earned a 70.3 in his worst year for the Browns and averaged 20 yards per game more than Raven’s opponents to date.

This is just not a very favorable opponent for a rookie making his second NFL start. Terrell Suggs is a true SOB and anchors their defense. You can call him a linebacker that can rush the quarterback or a lineman that can drop back in coverage. He teams with fellow linebacker C. J. Mosely, That allows the Ravens to use extra defensive backs more often than not. DBs include Pro Bowl safety Eric Weddle, former Cowboy Brandon Carr, and Tavon Young, who already has two sacks. They will probably dial up double coverage on Jarvis Landry until the Browns can prove that they can make them pay.

On offense, Joe Flacco is not quite the strong-armed bomber he was a decade ago, but he’s having a great statistical season, piling up yards and touchdowns, but with only 2 INTs so far this year versus 10 for their opponents. Hanging onto the football is a major reason for success for both Flacco and the Ravens.

Incidentally, Browns fans may remember a guy named Willie Snead IV, who the Browns auditioned in 2014. He will be catching passes against them this week. The 25-year-old has over 2000 receiving yards in his career, mostly with the New Orleans Saints. John Brown has emerged as a receiving threat, and Michael Crabtree has also thrown in his lot with the Ravens this year.

Though Flacco has kept the offense moving via the air attack, the Ravens have not been very good on the ground, averaging only 3.1 yards per carry, which is terrible Lamar Jackson is the X-Factor. He comes in the game as a change of pace quarterback and sometimes lines up as a halfback or wide receiver.

The Ravens have a major advantage in special teams, with Justin Tucker (a Pro Bowl alternate in 2017) kicking field goals and Sam Koch booming the ball for an average of 49.9 yards. The Browns do not have anyone like these two guys. There have been Browns breakdowns in special teams every week, and perhaps that will continue versus Baltimore.

This should be a low scoring game, with errors on special teams contributing to a heartbreaker versus the hated Ravens.

Final Score: Baltimore 20 Cleveland 18

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