Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns week 1 Ebony Bird round table
Jake Lippman:
Looking at the score alone this may be a bit optimistic, so let me explain my logic. Entering the season each of these teams has had less time than usual to get prepared. With this thought, I believe week one around the entire league will be high scoring and potentially slightly sloppy. I expect to see many blown coverages throughout the league and some bad penalties.
With that said, I have said it before (in my three reasons for optimism article) I believe the Ravens under Coach Harbaugh are better prepared than most and Lamar Jackson is laser-focused. I think the team will come out hot and although they may not have a repeat of last seasons week one 59-10 slaughter, look for the team to come out firing.
Related Story. Baltimore Ravens week one spotlight: DeShon Elliott. light
The Cleveland Browns and their new additions will find some success, with Nick Chubb rallying off an early big run and Baker Mayfield looking better than last season, but those may be the only major positives because once the teams settle in, look for the Ravens to take control.
Hot take- Nick Boyle will have his third NFL touchdown, Mark Andrews will score a touchdown and so will FB/TE/DL Patrick Ricard. In my projection, I have the Ravens scoring four touchdowns and two field goals. Three of these will go to the new tight end core, putting to rest many people’s fears about only having two natural tight ends. Boyle will showcase improved receiving skills and Andrews will demonstrate improved blocking.
All these guys will have huge seasons and they will show why on week one. As mentioned, before I believe Harbaugh will show the entire league why he is one of the best coaches and win all his challenges in the game and lead the team to victory. Go Ravens!
Score- Ravens 34 Browns 23