Ravens vs. Browns: Five Questions Behind Enemy Lines

As we prepare for Sunday’s third straight divisional showdown, this time Ravens vs. Browns, we wanted to gain some inside perspective on what to expect in the first game of the season between these two teams. To get the scoop, we reached out to Jared Mueller, editor of Dawg Pound Daily, our sister site on the FanSided network.

We prepared five questions for Jared to help us shed some light on Thursday’s matchup from a fan’s perspective and to get an inside look at some factors that are sure to impact the game. Both teams are coming off big wins in week two, with the Ravens beating the Steelers in convincing fashion and the Browns pulling off the upset against the Saints. Both teams are trying to keep pace with the 2-0 Bengals in the division.

The Browns pulled off an impressive upset at home against the Saints last Sunday. Before the game, Mike Pettine said that the key to beating the Saints was to limit big plays, and his team’s ability to do so was key. But the Ravens have so far shown the tendency to limit passing to the short to intermediate ranges. How do you think the Brown’s defensive strategy will change this week?

I don’t think the Browns will change their philosophy. They basically have decided to let teams beat them with the run and play a ton of coverage. They let their speed on defense deal with both the run game and short passing game. Karlos Dansby, Christian Kirksey, Tashaun Gipson and Donte Whitner all have good to great speed on the inside of the defense. Players may catch 3 and 4 yard receptions but the Browns will likely stop them there.

I expect the Browns to use some more zone concepts in the middle of the field, including dropping an defensive end to create confusion. Their strategy won’t change but their play calling might to confuse the offense. Pettine’s system is setup so each player could do one of many responsibilities. So it could be the same look with numerous players coming or dropping. Those that dropped last week will rush more this week and vice versa. Been very fun to see.

The Browns run defense has been a big question mark through two weeks as they have given up 305 yards through two games (5.1 avg) and three touchdowns on the ground. The Ravens had more rushing attempts in week two than passing attempts, and are on track to rush for over 2,000 yards this season. Do you think that the Browns can make adjustments with the personnel they have and improve their run defense?

I do not think the Browns care about how many rushing yards they give up. That is part of their defense as they play complimentary to their offense. I wrote about it earlier this week, http://dawgpounddaily.com/?p=18112, but there are tons of benefits to the Browns doing this.

They force the clock to run, they force teams to often do what they do not want to do (run instead of pass) and they are able to dictate to the offense what plays to run often. When the Ravens do pass the Browns will always be bringing heat, but generally with 4 players, while playing a ton of coverage in the backend. That creates opportunities for turnovers.

The run has been a strength on offense for the Browns through two games, but run defense has been a strength for the Ravens. How do you anticipate Terrence West will perform Sunday, and how much do you think Isaiah Crowell will be sprinkled in?

West is from Baltimore so this is a huge game for him. That actually worries me just a bit, I don’t want him to try to do to much. The Browns run the ball in creative, solid ways and do not go away from the run. Given that I expect they might open the game with a no huddle, pass oriented offense to get a first down or two before settling into their offense.

The Ravens will likely be teeing off on West on the first couple plays so Kyle Shanahan will try to use that against the Ravens. I expect West to play well, with solid 70 to 85 yards as well as 2 or 3 receptions. Crowell is the banging back and should get between 6 and 10 carries as well. He pretty much hits the hole and goes. The best thing about both backs is they don’t tend to lose yards. Once they get hit they will get at least another yard and normally 2 or 3 before going down.

Another key distinction between these two teams is the excellent protection provided by the Ravens offensive line going up against the intimidating Browns pass rush that has racked up eight sacks over two games. Do you think that Paul Kruger, Jabaal Sheard, and Karlos Dansby can continue their hot streak against what has been a very good O-line so far?

I think it is possible, especially with Eugene Monroe being a little bothered by a knee injury. The key for the Browns is that Phil Taylor and Desmond Bryant demand double teams at defensive end and Ahtyba Rubin is a hoss in the middle of the line. That gives the rushing linebacker, and especially when the Browns send 5, easy lanes to the QB.