Baltimore Ravens vs Cleveland Browns: Keys to Victory Week Seventeen
By Brett Foote
Dec 21, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) rushes during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Rediscover the Ground Game
It’s well documented that the Ravens just can’t win when Joe Flacco is throwing the ball 34+ times a game. Last week against the Texans, he threw the ball 50 times, and they lost. The Ravens have not, in fact, won a game this season where Flacco has thrown more than 33 passes.
Teams have begun to take notice, as the Jaguars stacked the box and the Texans played tough run defense. Adding to the problem is the sudden ineffectiveness of Justin Forsett, who has not been the same guy since suffering a “minor” knee injury a few weeks ago.
The Ravens simply have to recommit to running the football, no matter who they use in the backfield. The Browns present a great opportunity to do so, as they currently sport the worst run defense in the NFL while allowing 142.4 yards per game at a healthy 4.5 yards per attempt.
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