3 Keys to Victory For The Ravens On Thursday Night
By Joe Schiller
Key #3: Get to the QB early and often
The Browns are the most inconsistent team in the league when it comes to the quarterback position. Good news is that Josh McCown, who has been a thorn in the Ravens side, will not be starting. The quarterback carousel has landed Cody Kessler with the start for the second week in a row. He is coming off a 35-10 loss to the Cowboys where he threw 203 yards and 1 touchdown.
The Ravens defensive front had a very impressive performance against Big Ben and the Steelers on Sunday. While they only were able to sack Ben twice, they made him uncomfortable the whole game. The pressure led to bad throws and the Ravens secondary dropped two or three easy interceptions that game. Ironically the only interception came from defensive lineman Timmy Jernigan, off of a tipped pass.
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Pressure to Kessler early in the game is a major key. The Cowboys were able to get to him for 4 sacks last Sunday. If the linebackers and defensive line can make him uncomfortable in the pocket, it will lead to many rookie mistakes. Forcing the Browns away from the passing game will make them commit to the run, which the Ravens have no problem defending. They held one of the best running backs in the league in Le’Veon Bell to just 32 yards rushing on 14 carries.