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

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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens is tackled as he carries the ball by linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong #52 of the Cleveland Browns in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /

Keep the Ravens’ Offense Off the Field

In 2018, the Browns’ often poor tackling made for tired defensive players, no matter what kind of depth Cleveland had. Myles Garrett and Larry Ogunjobi were at the top of the list on defensive snaps played, and falling back into that old habit could doom the Browns this weekend. A “bend, don’t break” philosophy will not work against this Ravens team, and Cleveland will have to be especially stout on defense this week.

Keeping the Ravens off the field is a two-fold process, with tall tasks for both sides of the ball. Baltimore has built itself up as a smash-mouth, run-first type of football team, and the addition of Jackson’s passing skills only make them more lethal against young defenses like Cleveland’s. Just selling out against the run is not enough. The Browns have to be defensively rock-solid throughout.

Linebackers Joe Schobert and Mack Wilson will need to step up this week, as the Browns work to shut down Baltimore’s slew of running backs. Adding former New Orleans Saints cowbell back Mark Ingram II has allowed the Ravens to wear down defenses throughout the course of their games. A constant defensive rotation is not recommended, but necessary for Cleveland to keep the Ravens from busting out big play with the run.

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