Ravens face Browns for Round 2
Baltimore's 3-game road trek starts in Cleveland Sunday with the Ravens and Browns in a pick-um game. The Browns left Baltimore September 21st with a 28-10 loss and a 0-3 record; they looked like a team prime to get a fork stuck in 'um.
But hold the silverware, the Browns have bounced back. They've won 3 of 4 since the Ravens game, and their only defeat was a three point loss at Washington. The three-for-four stretch includes a 35-14 win over the Super Bowl champion Giants and a win at Jacksonville last Sunday.
Pro Bowlers Derek Anderson and Braylon Edwards have survived early season slumps and the Browns defense has improved, giving up an average of only 14 points over the last four games.
So what we have here are two teams playing some pretty good football; the Ravens go after their third straight win and do it with an offense that has Baltimore fans excited.
Cam Cameron's "Suggs package" debuted last week to Rave reviews. How much will we see Joe Flacco and Troy Smith on the field at the same time this week? How 'bout running more Navy-like option football; will Haloti Ngata get a carry in the goal-line offense? Will what fooled the Raiders last Sunday trick the Browns and the rest of the league?
After losing a pair to the Browns last year, the Ravens now go for a sweep of this year's series. A sweep would improve the Ravens' record to 5-3 and equal the total wins of the entire 2007 season.
I-Formation
-It's time to get Todd Heap more involved as a receiver. (Especially with Demetrius Williams lost for the season).
-In their 15 combined games this season, the Ravens and Browns have only one game with a running back over 90 yards rushing. (Willis McGahee 105 at Miami.)
-I think the Ravens need to win two of three on this road trip to make a strong run at the playoffs.
3 and out!
Scott
 |
Categories (click for archive)MASNblogs | Scott Garceau |
Leave a comment