Cleveland Browns: 3 matchups to decide the game vs. Ravens
3 matchups to watch when the Cleveland Browns take on the Ravens on MNF
The Cleveland Browns face the Baltimore Ravens in the most meaningful game the franchise has seen in well over a decade. Aside from the implications, this game will have on determining playoff seeding and establishing the divisional pecking order, this game is bigger than just a game. This is Cleveland’s chance to punch their big brother in the face and make a statement to the football world on national television.
After 12 games the Browns are sporting a 9-3 record and currently hold the top wildcard seed in the AFC playoff race. If the playoffs were to start today, Baltimore would be getting handed a pink slip. If the Browns want to make the Ravens early start to the offseason a reality, getting a win over their rivals would put the first nail in their coffin.
Now, let’s examine three matchups in this AFC North tilt.
Matchup No. 1: Malcolm Smith vs Mark Andrews
Lamar Jackson’s recent struggles in the passing game are well documented. A regression from Jackson’s 2019 MVP campaign was inevitable. An entire offseason for defensive coordinators to examine and dissect the Ravens signal-caller, combined with no offseason for Jackson to expand on his skill set, has led to his regression.
One thing that Lamar can still do at a high level in the passing game is press the line of scrimmage and exploit the middle of the field. That is where his tight end, Mark Andrews does most of his damage. Andrews is a complete tight end with excellent hands and big play ability. The third-year tight end extends drives and is a problem in the red zone for opposing defenses.
In their first matchup, the Browns had no answer for Andrews. The Ravens tight end was targeted six times and had five catches for two touchdowns. If the Browns have any plans of making Jackson one dimensional, then taking Andrews out of the Ravens’ game plan is a priority.
By far and away, the Browns best linebacker in pass coverage is veteran Malcolm Smith. The former Super Bowl MVP will need to play a big role in the Browns passing defense if they have any shot at limiting Andrews’ effectiveness on Monday night.