Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens: 3 big storylines for Week 7

No. 1: Can the Browns establish the run game?

The Browns have rushed for at least 171 yards in every game this season, except for last week, when they were held to a season-low, 70 yards. That was due to a couple of factors: One, Bill Belichick took away the one player Cleveland depends on most, Nick Chubb. And two, the Patriots had a double-digit lead for the majority of the second half.

The rushing attack needs to be the focal point of this offense, especially from the start of the game. The more long-lasting drives the Browns can create will mean fewer chances for Jackson to be on the field.

Last week, the offensive line just couldn’t get the upper hand on the New England defense. That task will be even harder on Sunday as starting right guard Wyatt Teller is unlikely to play with a calf injury. Hjalte Froholdt, who replaced Teller against the Patriots, will likely start against the Ravens.

Now, the Browns cannot run the ball on every play of every drive as some on the bird app will scream for, but Chubb has to get more than 12 carries. Again, there were reasons he only got those carries and 56 rushing yards, but that wasn’t the case on the opening drive where Cleveland passed on first and second down, the second resulting in a Brissett interception.

If the rushing attack led by Chubb and Kareem Hunt can be established from the get-go, then the chances of winning will increase. If Cleveland has trouble running the ball and Brissett has to throw 45 times, that could spell disaster in a game that can’t go that way.