Ravens at Browns: By The Numbers, Terrell Suggs To End Sackless Streak?
By Brett Foote
Sep 7, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) celebrates after tackling Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (not pictured) during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Welcome to Lunchtime Links, where we round up all the latest Ravens news from around the web for your convenient consumption. Today, we take a look at Sunday’s Ravens at Browns matchup by the numbers, Terrell Suggs looks to end his sackless streak, and why backup running backs may be coming to the rescue.
Ravens at Browns: by the numbers
Jamison Hensley has a numbers breakdown of Sunday’s Ravens at Browns matchup that points out some interesting statistics. Some of the more intriguing ones to note include the fact that the Ravens have given up zero touchdowns in four red zone trips this season, and that they are the only team who has two tight ends with at least nine or more catches.
In case you forgot, the Ravens lost the last meeting between these two teams in November of last year. The last time they lost consecutive games to the Browns was an astounding seven years ago. And Elvis Dumervil has an incredible ten sacks against the Browns in six career games.
Terrell Suggs looks to end sackless streak
One player looking to record a sack against the Browns is Terrell Suggs, who has yet to record one through two games this season. Suggs has a reputation as a fierce pass rusher who has recorded some big numbers through his career, so some have expressed concern that he may be slowing down in his age 31 season.
More from Ravens News
- Will Baltimore Ravens be rewarded for risky Lamar Jackson decision?
- The Baltimore Ravens Big Gamble
- Ravens Super Bowl odds present fascinating insight on Lamar Jackson’s future
- Should Baltimore Ravens be interested in this recently released WR
- Do the Baltimore Ravens have serious interest in this free agent wide out?
But Suggs isn’t worried about it, and neither is John Harbaugh, who has noted Suggs’ excellent play in spite of not recording an actual sack. The numbers support this notion, as Suggs is currently rated as a top 5 3-4 inside linebacker by Pro Football Focus. It would seem that it’s only a matter of time until the sacks begin to roll in.
Backup running backs to the rescue?
The Browns lost starting running back Ben Tate to injury in week one, and now the Raven’s starter, Bernard Pierce, is hobbled with a thigh injury. The Ravens promoted running back Fitzgerald Toussaint to the active roster on Saturday, further raising eyebrows.
Will this be the week we see Lorenzo Taliaferro get some real work? If Pierce sits, he may just get that opportunity. Justin Forsett is bound to get a lot of work, and he deserves it. But Forsett is a bit small to take care of all the inside running, and this is where Taliaferro could shine.