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Cleveland Browns: 3-Step blueprint to Week 4 victory over Ravens

By Martin McConnell

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns calls a play at the line of scrimmage in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns calls a play at the line of scrimmage in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 07: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs down the field defended by Denzel Ward #21 of the Cleveland Browns in the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 07: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs down the field defended by Denzel Ward #21 of the Cleveland Browns in the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Take Away Lamar Jackson’s Versatility

It may be early in his second season, but the comparisons from Lamar Jackson to Michael Vick are already being made. Jackson’s elite levels of speed and ability to slip out of sacks is unmatched throughout the entire NFL. In addition to his freak athleticism, Jackson’s newfound accuracy early this year has made him a deadly threat on the offense. The Browns have to take away that versatility.

Through three games, the Browns’ rushing defense to the outside has been solid. Todd Gurley II, one of the league’s premier running backs, to just 43 rushing yards. If Cleveland’s defense can recreate such a performance while dealing with Jackson’s rushing abilities, they will have a much easier time taking care of Baltimore’s offense.

Collapsing the pocket on Jackson will likely not be enough, as his mobility provides ample opportunities to escape even the fastest of pass rushers. The Browns have to hit Jackson early and often, sealing the deal before he has a chance to get away and make one of his fantastic, “backyard football-esque” plays.

Jackson has shown more potential throwing the ball this season, but his arm was one of his biggest complains from scouts when coming out of Louisville. The Browns need to put pressure on Jackson, especially with cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams unlikely to play in Week 4. The front seven will have a tall order battling against Baltimore’s frustratingly athletic quarterback, but there may be an easier way to keep Jackson from affecting the game too much.

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