Control, explode, maintain: How Ravens topple Browns in opener

Maintain:

Here is where the Baltimore Ravens shine.

With their running attack and offensive line, now led by All-Pro tackle Ronnie Stanley, the team can suffocate a game and steal the clock by moving the chains on the ground. If the Ravens are able to jump out to a sizable lead at the half through the aforementioned two stages, they can absolutely stomp on the figurative throat of the Browns in the second half. Give the Ravens a two-score edge in the third quarter with this run game and those defensive backs? Game. Over.

Obviously, there is no better way to cough up a lead than through turnovers, and the Ravens did well last season in that regard — finishing with a plus-10 ratio. There is no reason to believe that will be worse this season, as Jackson has appeared to improve on his ball-handling and newcomer running back JK Dobbins comes from a similar collegiate system, so he is already solid at the ball-handling exchange in the zone-read system.

By controlling the game, generating explosive plays, and maintaining the lead, the Baltimore Ravens can jump out to a 1-0 record, with a big win against a division opponent.