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3 things to watch for as Ravens welcome Browns

By Ian Schultz

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 29: Odell Beckham #13 of the Cleveland Browns catches a pass as Matt Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens defends during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 29: Odell Beckham #13 of the Cleveland Browns catches a pass as Matt Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens defends during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 2: Tavon Young #25 of the Baltimore Ravens scores a fourth quarter touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 2: Tavon Young #25 of the Baltimore Ravens scores a fourth quarter touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

3) Role-Playing

I am looking forward to seeing who slides into which roles for the Ravens and how they perform in those roles.

Most importantly, I am watching DeShon Elliott this Sunday. The 2018 sixth-round pick has been oft injured throughout his tenure and Baltimore and has suddenly been thrust into the starting free safety role opposite Ravens field general Chuck Clark. This came a result of the Earl Thomas saga that saw the high priced veteran jettisoned from Baltimore after a series of camp issues. The Ravens were comfortable making this move with a win-now roster and it is going to be important to see if Elliott can carry the mail here.

Tavon Young returns after his second major injury in a three year span and figures to regain the starting slot corner role. Young signed an extension last off-season that made him the highest paid slot corner in the game at the time. He sustained a neck injury that cost him the 2019 season and the Ravens are hopeful Young returns to form. Good first test here with one of the best slot receivers in the game in Jarvis Landry.

Where in the world is Jimmy Smith figures to be a fun game to play season as well. The veteran cornerback returned on one year deal and seems to be a Wild Card in what promises to be a strong Ravens defense:

What roles do the newcomers play? Queen,Campbell, and Wolfe project to start but what about Duvernay, Dobbins, Harrison, and the other 2020 Draft picks? Could we see rookie OL Tyre Phillips get a starting role along the offensive line? Does free agent addition DJ Fluker win the RG job vacated by the requirement of future Hall of Famer Marshal Yanda?

Does Mark Andrews play the lion share of the snaps this season and become a top three TE? Is Pat Ricard the guy at TE3? Do we even need a TE3?

The Ravens are loaded and I am excited to see how they deploy their impressive arsenal in the 2020 season.

The Details:

Match up: Cleveland Browns (0-0) at Baltimore Ravens (0-0)

Point Spread: Ravens -8

Over/Under: 48.5

Radio: 98 Rock/WBAL 1090 AM
TV: CBS
Commentary: Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, Evan Washburn

Prediction: The Ravens are going to be able to run the ball at will against a Browns front seven that lacks talented contributors. Mark Andrews and Hollywood Brown should help carry the passing game in this one as well. Baker Mayfield and the Browns have a ton of weapons on offense.

Next. Ravens vs. Browns: Purple Friday Q&A. dark

Expect Odell Beckham Jr to be motivated after a disappointing season last year and his spat with Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey last season. But in the end the Ravens are too much for the Browns and they will avenge one of their 2019 losses with a 31-24 win over the Browns.

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