Control, explode, maintain: How Ravens topple Browns in opener
By Darin McCann
![CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 18: Ronnie Stanley #79 of the Baltimore Ravens in action against the Cleveland Browns during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Ravens defeated the Browns 25-20. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 18: Ronnie Stanley #79 of the Baltimore Ravens in action against the Cleveland Browns during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Ravens defeated the Browns 25-20. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Febonybird-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F608949258-850x560-cb407cf5b9bd2079f2bad284aa72634c7e243420bebbaca905f6cfb3ac3ef734.jpg)
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.
dark. Next. NFL Power Rankings — Baltimore Ravens in top-four to start off season
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.