The Baltimore Ravens will have a chance to make it back to .500 in Week 11 against the Cleveland Browns. The last time they finished a week with at least a .500 record was after their Week 2 win when they moved to 1-1. Ironically enough, that was also a win over the Browns.
The Ravens will have to overcome some injuries, though. Their offense will take a hit with losses of running back Justice Hill (toe) and wide receiver Rashod Bateman (ankle). The defense is also taking a key loss with cornerback Marlon Humphrey (finger) out.
Rookie outside linebacker Mike Green was another critical defensive contributor listed on the team’s final injury report. He is listed as questionable.
While the decision not to bring up veteran Carl Lawson may spell good news for Green’s status, Baltimore has shown this year that they have no issue entering games with just three true pass rushers. They did so in Week 8 and Week 9 after outside linebacker Tavius Robinson broke his foot in their Week 6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. They could do it again in Cleveland.
If Green is out, the Ravens’ pass rush would be expected to take a hit after making significant strides in their win over the Minnesota Vikings last week.
Ravens’ pass rush could face turmoil with Mike Green’s pending status
While on paper, Cleveland does not pose a significant challenge to Baltimore, AFC North games can get tight. The Ravens have lost three of their last four against the Browns in Cleveland, and while one team is on a roll and the other is scuffling, anything can happen on Sunday.
Cleveland rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel has not provided strong play this year. He is completing just 58.6% of his passes and has seven touchdowns and two interceptions to his name in seven games and five starts.
For Baltimore, most of the focus should be set on stopping the run, as rookie running back Quinshon Judkins has impressed with 561 rushing yards on four yards per carry. Still, Gabriel has thrown at least 30 passes in four of his five starts this year.
The Ravens will need the pass rush to step up to continue making Gabriel uncomfortable in the pocket. The addition of outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones ahead of the trade deadline has brought success up front for the first time all year in Week 10, but Green’s injury could bring them right back to square one.
Green was just finding his footing at the professional level, too. He has 1.5 sacks over his past three games and is showcasing the explosiveness that made him so special in college. Even if he does play against the Browns, the fact that he was limited on Thursday and not practicing on Friday likely means the 22-year-old is far from 100 percent by the time the game kicks off.
With Green’s health in question, the duo of Jones and Kyle Van Noy will have to take on even bigger roles along the edge. David Ojabo could take more snaps, as well, after taking 10 last week, and linebacker Trenton Simpson could get in on the action as a pass rusher.
An injured Green should not be a huge issue, but for a pass rush unit looking to find their footing ahead of a critical stretch, the 22-year-old’s banged-up ankle could mess with its rhythm.