The defense of the Cleveland Browns led by defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has been on a historic start to the season. They now face the hardest task in the first month of the season so far, stopping Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. It is never easy to slow down Jackson but the league’s number one defense through three games will have a decent shot at at least limiting him.
The Ravens are riddled with injuries and will go into this showdown without their top two pass catchers, their best corner, and two impressive young pass rushers. But no matter how many injuries the Ravens have they are always well-coached and always play hard.
Buy Browns TicketsThe Browns could be without starting quarterback Deshaun Watson and if that is the case the Ravens defense will look to try and rattle the rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Here’s a look at the three biggest takeaways I had when watching the film of the Ravens season so far.
The Ravens like to get Zay Flowers the ball in space
Even if Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashod Bateman were playing the Ravens love to get their electric first-round pick Zay Flowers the ball in space. He hasn’t broken the big one yet but he has the speed and athleticism to turn a short pass into an explosive play. Rather, it’s a bubble screen or a quick slant you have got to be aware of where Flowers is on the field at all times.
The Browns will be able to focus more on Flowers with Beckham and Bateman out but they can’t take him lightly. He is still getting his feet under him in the NFL but he can hurt you big if he gets a chance in the open field.
The defense and pass rush play aggressively and fast
Jadeveon Clowney looks revitalized to start the season in Baltimore as the Ravens’ pass rush has been great to start the year. They get production all along the line and have shown some good blitzing as well. Safety Kyle Hamilton tallied three sacks last week when the team totaled 30 quarterback pressures against the Colts last week.
Roquan Smith was given a massive contract extension after being traded from the Bears and he has been worth it so far. He’s aggressive against the run and has done a nice job in coverage as well. This Ravens defense is tough and the Browns may be without their starting quarterback making this a huge challenge.
The Ravens offensive line isn't the strongest unit
The Ravens’ offensive line isn’t terrible but they have struggled at times against the pass rush giving the Browns a great opportunity. The Browns have got to pressure Lamar Jackson early and often, he has fumbled four times in three games and they have to try and force turnovers especially if Deshaun Watson doesn’t play Sunday.
Jackson is still a threat no matter how good or bad his offensive line is but with the offense focusing more on him passing from the pocket it’s a different Ravens offense. If Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith along with their other running mates can pressure Jackson early and often they can limit the opposing offense.
