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5 Matchups to watch in Cleveland Browns Week 1 game against the Ravens

By Mitch Zoloty

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates as Nick Chubb #24 (not pictured) rushes for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates as Nick Chubb #24 (not pictured) rushes for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns
BEREA, OHIO – AUGUST 18: Head coach Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns talks to his players during an NFL training camp at the Browns training facility on August 18, 2020 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

4. Kevin Stefanski vs Don Martindale

If you’re an overall x’s and o’s type of guy who likes to watch scheme in NFL games, this is going to be a great matchup for you. Last year, Don Martindale led the Ravens defense to put up some great numbers. Baltimore’s defense only gave up 93.4 rushing yards per game last season, which was 5th in the NFL. They were also 6th in the NFL in passing yards, as they only allowed an average of 207.2 yards per game through the air.

With all the talent the Browns offense has, it’s going to be extremely hard for them to do much against that type of defense. Considering the Ravens defense arguably got more talent this offseason than they had last year, it’s going to be extremely hard to get anything going against this defense.

However, don’t count coach Kevin Stefanski out. Last season as the Vikings offensive coordinator, he was able to command their offense to average 133.3 rushing yards per game, which was the 6th best in the NFL. That’s where this game is going to be fought, in the rushing game. Stefanski has infinitely better weapons this season in the run game than he did last year.

Every single position on the Browns 2020 offensive line is occupied by a better run blocker than the 2019 Vikings had. The Cleveland Browns also have the more talented feature running back in Nick Chubb, along with a significantly better backup running back than the Vikings had in Kareem Hunt.

This game is going to be an old fashioned, barroom brawl between two of the best trench units in the NFL. If Stefanski can be unpredictable in his play-calling and keep Don Martindale guessing, the Browns are going to have a great night.

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