Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns: 5 Players To Watch
By Brett Foote
Sep 11, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. (89) breaks the tackle of Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Steve Smith
Even though the elder Smith has led the Ravens in receiving through two games, Torrey Smith is still going to be the focus of opposing defensive coordinators thanks to his unique speed and size. Teams don’t want him to get free and give up the big play, especially in what might turn out to be a close game.
The Browns have one of the better corners in the NFL roaming in their secondary in Joe Haden. Haden hasn’t had the best start to the 2014 season, however, grading out negatively in pass coverage through two games via Pro Football Focus. In fact, the entire Brown’s secondary has a negative grade against the pass so far.
The real story is the Brown’s front seven. This unit is getting a good amount of pressure on opposing quarterbacks while racking up six sacks and ten QB hurries through two games. Linebackers Paul Kruger Jabaal Sheard have been extremely disruptive and dominant in both games thus far.
Steve Smith has shown the knack for getting open and the willingness to make tough catches that have been signature trademarks of his career in two games with the Ravens. If the offensive line can’t slow down the Brown’s pass rush, Smith will play a huge role in this game.