How to Beat the Ravens

The first meeting between the Ravens and Browns resulted in a disappointing 28-3 loss for Cleveland. However, that was with a 5th round rookie in DTR as their starting quarterback. With a healthy Deshaun Watson, the Browns seek to feed off the momentum they gained in their shutout win against Arizona. Here are my thoughts on how to beat the Ravens!

1. Offensive Tackles

With Jedrick Wills on injured reserve and Dawand Jones unavailable against the Ravens, the Browns will be playing without their top three offensive tackles. While official confirmation on the starters for Sunday is pending, it’s likely that James Hudson will take the right tackle spot and Geron Christian will start on the left side. Hudson was struggling with pass protection due to his slower footwork and shorter arm reach. Overall, he showed better performance on the right, where he also practiced this week. Meanwhile, Geron Christian, who joined the practice squad in late October and recently moved to the active roster, seems the most viable option at left tackle. Despite not starting a game since 2021, his experience as a journeyman left tackle positions him as the top choice. Quick releases by Watson and additional protection through chips or double teams, will be crucial against this strong Ravens pass rush.

2. Disciplined Run Defense

The Ravens’ biggest offensive strength is their dynamic running game. They have three explosive running backs and the additional threat of Lamar Jackson as a ball carrier. Although Cleveland showcased robust run defense against the Cardinals, the Ravens are a different beast. In their first matchup of the season, Baltimore was able to consistently run the ball, with Jackson scoring two touchdowns. Schwartz likes to employ three-linebacker sets and five-man fronts to bolster run defense. I anticipate a similar approach in this game, but Cleveland must execute it with great discipline. Lamar Jackson’s versatile running skill complicates pre-snap play diagnostics, demanding a balanced focus on both run defense and pass coverage. Pass rushers and linebackers, in particular, need to remain alert to avoid being deceived by RPOs or play-action. As he did in their previous meeting, I’d expect Schwartz to strategically use JOK as a spy on Lamar.

3. Get Other Receivers Involved

The Browns’ passing strategy this season has heavily relied on screens and checkdowns, but Deshaun Watson’s return promises to allow more versatility. In the Arizona game, Watson successfully connected on several deep passes, a dynamic sorely missed during his absence. Amari Cooper and David Njoku emerged as his favorite targets, collectively receiving 11 of the 19 passes thrown to wide receivers and tight ends. Facing the Ravens’ elite coverage and pass rushing units, Cleveland can’t afford to be one dimensional. While continuing to utilize Cooper and Njoku is key, integrating a few plays designed for Tillman or Moore could add valuable diversity. However, the Browns offense has to overcome limitations, with key injuries at tackle and wide receiver. Even without the injuries, moving the ball against the Ravens is never an easy task. The Browns will need a total team effort to give themselves a chance to beat the Ravens.


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