Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns: Monday Night Football Q&A
The next batch of questions:
@mwhyche22 asks: Are we healthy enough on defense to slow down the Browns run game?
*I got a couple of questions along this line:
Answer: This is a really bad game not to have Calais Campbell. He may play the game, though. He’s listed as questionable. It looks doubtful based on Tuesday night that he’ll be the impact player he can be at full strength. The encouraging thing is that Brandon Williams is looking good to go for the game. Derek Wolfe has been a huge asset in run defense. Jihad Ward had a good game against the Cowboys and he’s another player that will help out.
That being said, I really don’t think the Browns run game gets stopped in this game. The Ravens just have to slow it down. Cleveland is just that good at running the football. If the Browns have less than 100 on the ground that is probably going to have to work for Don Martindale. The Ravens gave up 138 rushing yards in the season opener and won 38-6. Cleveland is going to make some plays on the ground.
Tramon Williams is doubtful. Jimmy Smith is questionable (and way more important to this game than people think). The secondary is a big concern. The Browns have had to call on some other guys to step up like Donovan Peoples-Jones. The secondary needs everyone they can get to keep Baker Mayfield in check.
The defense is healthier than it’s been in a while and still has enough injury concerns to make this interesting.
@snedjd asks: Who do you think will be the difference-maker in the game?
Answer: Are you ready for an answer that may surprise you? Malik Harrison is my difference maker in this game. Him and L.J. Fort. Harrison is a rookie but he is one of the best linebackers the Ravens have in the run game. He’s quick to read his keys and he’s showing up as a thumper. The Ravens need Patrick Queen to be well rounded against the Browns. They need Fort’s veteran savvy and they need Harrison being a thumper.
What if the Browns have a fourth and inches kind of play? What if the Ravens get in a spot where a stop decides if it’s a win and a loss? Right now if you need a linebacker to make a play in run defense, Harrison is your man.
@MalleyDueceTrey asks: What are your expectations for the offense on Monday Night Football?
Answer: It’s the Ravens so it will be more frustrating than you want it to be. Still, I think this could be a good night for the offense. Give me a strong showing for Lamar Jackson, who played more like himself against the Cowboys than we’ve seen in a while. Give me an 18-23 passing performance for 200 yards. Give Jackson another 65 yards on the ground. Put the run game down for 160 rushing yards and 28 points.
Will it be as good as you want it to be? Probably not, this offense makes nothing easy. Will it be good enough? There is a good chance it will be. The one thing that worries me is turnovers. In big spots, turnovers have really thwarted the offense. As long as Jackson protects the ball, this offense has a shot to have a surprisingly good night. Cleveland had no answer to stop Jackson and company in the season opener. They may have learned a thing or two, and it may be a little harder. I still like the offense’s chances.