3 Ravens to watch in the Browns Week 7 matchup

No. 1: Lamar Jackson, QB

Not really a shocker, is it? In all reality, this list could have just been Lamar Jackson three separate times. He is just that important to the success or failure of the Baltimore Ravens. As Jackson goes, so goes the Ravens.

Sitting at 3-3 and tied for first place in the AFC North, the Ravens have been one of the more confusing teams in the NFL. In all six of their games, the Ravens have yet to trail at the end of the first three-quarters of any game. Yet, they have managed to let three games slip through their fingers in the final stanza.

Unfortunately for Jackson and the Ravens, NFL games are four quarters instead of three. Jackson’s fourth-quarter play has been the downfall of the Ravens. Jackson’s quarterback rating this season is 93.2, but in fourth quarter of games his QBR is a mere 56. In fact, in the fourth quarter of games this season, Jackson has thrown for one touchdown and three interceptions with two fumbles.

But as Browns fans are well aware, Jackson has the ability to take over a game at any moment. That statement holds especially true when Jackson faces off against Cleveland. No need to look any further than the ‘poop gate’ Monday Night Football game of 2020 to see what Lamar is capable of against this Browns franchise.

Cleveland’s defense appeared to have turned the corner when facing Jackson in 2021. But any momentum this defense gained in 2021 has become a distant memory. Given the Browns’ defensive struggles to start the 2022 campaign, it is a tough assignment to task them shutting down a player that has Jackson’s unique skill set.

If the Browns are going to slow down Jackson it’s going to take their most complete effort of this young season. Or an ill-timed bathroom break for the Ravens’ quarterback. Either way, it’s a must-win game and you’ll take it however you can get it.