Baltimore Ravens: 3 keys to a glorious win over the Browns

The Baltimore Ravens have never had a battle with the Cleveland Browns that has meant so much. Here are keys to the win:

1. Controlling the clock:

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the Baltimore Ravens are built to play with a lead. Getting out to a good start is a huge thing in this game. When the Ravens control the clock and put points on the scoreboard in the process, they really dictate the style of the game. Limiting the chances of the Cleveland Browns is one benefit of controlling the clock, but keeping the defense fresh is the ultimate prize. If the Ravens defense doesn’t get worn down, they are going to be tough to beat. The Ravens want to have the ball more than their opponent. When the Ravens achieve this, they typically win.

The Browns’ strength is their offense. Baker Mayfield is already a very good quarterback. Nick Chubb is a stud running back. Jarvis Landry and Antonio Callaway are two very different but equally deadly wide receivers. The last time the Ravens played the Browns, David Njoku had six grabs for 69 yards. Talent is not something the Browns offense lacks. The Ravens have stopped tougher offenses, but it is important to remember that Cleveland isn’t bad. The Ravens can’t give the Browns extra chances, or it will cost them.

The Browns’ defense, a defense that will be playing without Denzel Ward, isn’t great. This is a team that gave up 45 points to the Oakland Raiders. They’ve gotten a lot better, yet they have their issues. The Browns defense had their way with the Ravens in the first contest, but Flacco threw the football over 50 times and the Ravens played the sloppiest game of the year. The Browns won the time of possession battle because of the extra chances the Ravens miscues gave them. The Ravens need to be able to churn out long drives that control the game.