The number one key to the Baltimore Ravens beating the Cleveland Browns is the run game.
The Baltimore Ravens have the top rushing offense in the NFL. The Ravens run game could offer a back breaking challenge for the Browns. Cleveland has a defense that is far from a pushover but far from dominant. They give up an average of 102 rushing yards per game. Through three games the Ravens average 216.7 yards on the ground. Just based on that you have to like the chances for Baltimore to run the ball on the Browns.
The one thing that you’ll notice from Mark Ingram II’s stats is that he is getting a lot out of each run. He has two 100 yard performances however he hasn’t gotten more than 16 carries in a game. Ingram was the best part of the offense against the Chiefs. The Ravens may have learned that they need to rely on him more at the running back position. If he’s doing this with 13-16 rushing attempts, just imagine what he can do with 20-25 carries.
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The Cardinals gave Ingram a struggle. He had 36 rushing yards in the game. Lamar Jackson had over 100 yards and that gave Baltimore what it needed on the ground. Ingram still was a game changer because of his receiving ability. He caught two passes for 30 yards against Arizona, one of them for a huge third down conversion.
The combination of Ingram, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill could be very productive against the Browns. Ingram is the key though, he’s what gives this running game a chance to be incredible. In this game in particular the run game has to be the foundation of the game plan. The run game can set everything up for this offense.
A great run game will allow the Ravens to dictate the way this game is played. It will set up big plays in the passing game and it will keep the Ravens in position to pick up a lot of first downs. The Browns offense hasn’t found their groove. Keeping the Browns offense on the sidelines with long drives will hurt their chances of finding a rhythm in week 4. It will tire out the Cleveland defense and it will pay off in the fourth quarter.
Ingram had three touchdowns and over 100 yards against the Chiefs. That’s production that will equal a win against most teams. Outscoring Patrick Mahomes in Arrowhead is a different ball game than anything on the Ravens’ schedule. Typically, if Ingram has a huge day as a running back, the Ravens will win. You have to believe that last week was the exception to the rule and that a huge day for Ingram in Fantasy Football, means a great day for the Ravens.