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Same old Browns versus Ravens? Not according to oddsmakers

By Elliot Kennel

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 13: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns looks to pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 13: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns looks to pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns vs. Ravens
Cleveland Browns vs. Ravens. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Ravens defense is still very formidable

With the announcement that Matthew Judon is off the Covid list, it means that Ravens have a major piece of the puzzle back in place. They are able to rush Judon, Brandon Williams, Calais Campbell, Ngakoue, Yannick, and Pernell McPhee, in the front line rotation. Patrick Queen, Malike Marrison, and Tyus Bowser are the linebackers.

Marlon Humphrey is rumored to have a special license from the NFL that allows him to hold the jerseys of other players and not get called for holding or interference. Marcus Peters also visits the Pro Bowl in the off-season. Chuck Clark is famous for getting punched out by former All-Pro Earl Thomas last summer. Old Earl is still a free agent. Maybe the Browns should pick him up for this game, just for old time’s sake? On second thought, that is probably a bad idea.

Incidentally, the secondary contains two former Browns in Tramon Williams and Pierre Desir. Williams has gotten into three games, although Desir has not yet accumulated any stats.

The Ravens defense, then, has many of the same players that led many writers, including this one, to pick them to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl this year. The Ravens have the third-lowest point total in the NFL, giving up only 19.3 points per game this season. Last season they were even a shade better with 17.6. A case could be made that this is due to the Ravens offense not hanging on to the ball as long this year. Hence the Ravens’ defense averages about 68 snaps per game this year, versus 61 snaps per game last season. Those extra plays by the opposition result in a few more points.

In terms of yardage, however, the Ravens defense is ranked 14th against the pass and 13th against the run. Last season, they were sixth and fifth, respectively.  They are tied for 15th in the NFL in sacks with 28. Not so impressive, though they are second in the NFL in fumble recoveries with 11 and they have the third-fewest defensive penalty yards in the NFL.

The defense, then, is every bit as good as the AFC North championship defense from a year ago. They will present the toughest challenge for Baker and company, and probably justifies the low over/under chosen by oddsmakers for this one.

But what about the narrative that says that the Browns cannot beat Baltimore?

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