3 questions heading into the Ravens Week 14 game against the Browns

As Week 14 approaches, the Baltimore Ravens get set to take on the Cleveland Browns for the second time in three weeks.

With another crucial division matchup set to go down in Cleveland, the Ravens prepare to move forward without one of their key players in Marlon Humprey, who suffered a season-ending injury in the team’s 20-19 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Ravens currently sit in first place in the AFC North with an 8-4 record. With a tough schedule remaining, they control their destiny.

This upcoming matchup against the Browns gives the Ravens an opportunity to hold onto first place, but also presents an opportunity for Cincinnati to claim first place if they were to suffer a loss.

With Sunday’s matchup closing in, questions remain for this Ravens unit.

1. How will the Ravens’ secondary perform without the presence of Marlon Humphrey?

With the loss of Marlon Humphrey, the Ravens’ depth is stretched even more than before. This unit has their work cut out for them moving forward as they will have to go up against some very talented receivers.

This means the secondary will need big production from guys like Jimmy Smith, Tavon Young, and Anthony Averett who may see more snaps in the slot this week.

In his press conference, Averett was confident in the Ravens’ ability to overcome the losses.

"“Nobody thought we were going to be in this position; number one in the AFC North anyway, so we just have to move forward.”"

With the secondary being depleted, the Ravens will also have to rely on their young guys in Chris Westry and Brandon Stephens to play a bigger role moving forward.

Sunday’s game will be the beginning of a long test for this depleted secondary. The Browns have talented playmakers in Jarvis Landry and Donovan Peoples-Jones who they will be relying on to make plays downfield.

The adjustment period will need to be brief for the Ravens this week as they will have to answer the call of how this unit will hold up moving forward.