3 Baltimore Ravens players who need to step up against the Browns

CANTON, OH - AUGUST 02: Hayden Hurst #81 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a touchdown reception against the Chicago Bears in the third quarter of the Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on August 2, 2018 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CANTON, OH - AUGUST 02: Hayden Hurst #81 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a touchdown reception against the Chicago Bears in the third quarter of the Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on August 2, 2018 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Baltimore Ravens
CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 07: Michael Crabtree #15 of the Baltimore Ravens is unable to make the catch in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

1. Michael Crabtree:

With just one catch in his last two games, wide out Michael Crabtree was destined to make this list. But the 10th year veteran, who has often been the go-to receiver when the Ravens have been trailing this season, could be crucial in week 17’s match up against the Browns.

Baltimore’s new look offense has struggled to get its receivers as involved since Lamar Jackson took over. Crabtree won’t exactly need a 200 yard game for the Ravens to defeat the Browns, but a few key catches to extend drives and allow the Ravens to control the clock could be crucial.

Crabtree has seen increasingly fewer targets, with just 5 coming in his last 2 games. However, the Ravens’ offense -which is heavily reliant on its run game – could look to its receivers if the Browns stack the box and force Jackson to throw more often.

Now let’s get ready for the game

I’m sure you will need no reminding that Baltimore needs a win this Sunday. At all costs. If the Ravens beat the Browns this Sunday, it will complete what has been a truly remarkable turnaround since Lamar Jackson became the starter.

With 1627 combined passing and rushing yards and 9 touchdowns, the offense will rely on its signal caller as its key play maker, as well as the powerful run game we have seen in recent weeks. Meanwhile, it is imperative that the Ravens’ defense lives up to its billing as the best in the NFL, and is able to close out this game – unlike in recent, heartbreaking losses to Cincinnati and Pittsburgh which ended the 2017 and 2016 seasons respectively.

Next. Top 3 concerns for Ravens against the Browns. dark

The Ravens Flock must be in full force this Sunday.