3 Key Cleveland Browns players versus the Ravens in Week 12
By John Suchan
![Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) makes a pass against Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (90) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 14, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]Browns 1 1](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fhttps-3A-2F-2Fdawgpounddaily-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2018-2F08-2F15316640-850x560-6de3f298994a0aa6c3b7690c8da07accd9c16088f92851c85d7a1ecbba8c4b2e.jpg "Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) makes a pass against Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (90) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 14, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]Browns 1 1")
Cleveland Browns Key Player No. 2: Nick Chubb
Browns fans are really being treated to the best running back in the NFL right now. He will certainly go down in history as one of the best of all time. He’s missed several games this season due to injury and Covid and yet he’s approaching 1,000 yards rushing after only eight games. He also has a history of playing the Ravens well, scoring two touchdowns against them last December in their close contest.
This game on the offensive side of the ball will depend on how Chubb is used by the Browns coaching staff. If head coach Kevin Stefanski is wise, he’ll give Chubb at least 25-30 carries on the night — especially since he’s always run well against the Ravens.
There will be pressure on quarterback Baker Mayfield Sunday to have a good game. Part of that success will be with letting Chubb take more carries and limit Mayfield to throwing the ball no more than 20-25 times on the night. If Mayfield goes over the 30 throw mark, then the Browns are likely going to lose since their success this year has come when they have a better ratio between run and pass.
For some added history perspective — Chubb is within 300 yards of legendary running back Marion Motley and 700 yards of Kevin Mack on the Browns all-time rushing leaders. If Chubb would stay healthy, by season’s end he could be No. 5 all-time in the company of other greats Greg Pruitt and Leroy Kelly. So, sit back Sunday and enjoy watching Chubb run wild against the Ravens.