The Baltimore Ravens and the host Cleveland Browns are heading in reverse instructions coming into their AFC North matchup on Sunday.
Baltimore (5-2) is driving a five-game profitable streak and is tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers atop the division. Cleveland (1-6) has misplaced 5 straight and is languishing in final place.
Whereas the Ravens are led by two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Browns face a problem on the place after starter Deshaun Watson sustained a season-ending proper Achilles tear final week as Cleveland fell 21-14 to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski named Jameis Winston because the beginning quarterback over Dorian Thompson-Robinson to oppose the Ravens in Week 8.
“He is gained plenty of soccer video games,” Stefanski mentioned about Winston on Wednesday. “He is seen plenty of soccer. So, we’ve complete confidence in him. I believe the fellows actually respect him … due to the work he places in. He is in right here early, I can verify that. And he is acquired that power immediately.”
Regardless of the file, the Browns have expertise and would love to finish the Ravens’ profitable streak. Winston has the expertise to throw the ball downfield and has gifted go catchers with vast receiver Jerry Jeudy and tight finish David Njoku. The Browns acquired a lift when operating again and fan favourite Nick Chubb returned final week after being out since Week 2 of the 2023 season with a left knee damage.
There’s nowhere to go however up for the Browns’ offense, which ranks thirty second within the NFL with 253.9 yards per recreation and twenty ninth with 15.6 factors per recreation.
As well as, Stefanski introduced that he’s turning play-calling over to offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. In consequence, the Ravens aren’t taking the Browns frivolously and are ensuring they do not get caught in a proverbial entice recreation.
“I believe the Browns are a really bodily group,” Ravens security Kyle Hamilton mentioned. “They do not have the perfect file proper now, however I believe on tape, if you watch them, they’ve expertise, they usually may cause some points in case you do not take them critically. (It is) a division opponent. (I’ve) plenty of respect for them. (We have) acquired to go in there and do what we do.”
Cleveland security Ronnie Hickman Jr. (ankle), linebacker Jordan Hicks (elbow/triceps), operating again Jerome Ford (hamstring), heart Ethan Pocic (knee) and sort out Jedrick Wills (knee) didn’t apply Wednesday as a consequence of accidents.
The stakes are excessive for the Ravens, who’ve their sights on reaching the Tremendous Bowl for the primary time because the 2012-13 season. Jackson is having one other MVP-caliber season, as he’s ranked fifth within the league with 1,810 passing yards and is tied for second with 15 landing passes.
Nevertheless, Jackson is absolutely targeted on profitable a championship, no more accolades. The Browns’ protection, led by Myles Garrett (4 sacks), might want to preserve Jackson beneath wraps to win the sport. Garrett is coping with an Achilles difficulty however was in a position to apply Wednesday.
“I am chasing one thing proper now, so every recreation goes to be the identical factor for me,” Jackson mentioned. “I’ll be the identical particular person. Each recreation, I am attempting to win.”
The addition of Derrick Henry has been an enormous enhance for the Ravens, who lead the NFL with 461.4 complete yards and 31.1 factors per recreation.
“The offensive line is doing a hell of a job; I imply a hell of a job,” mentioned Henry, who leads the NFL with 873 dashing yards. “All of the credit score goes to them. … I hope it retains going.”
The Ravens’ greatest weak spot has been the secondary. Baltimore is ranked thirty second (final) towards the go, permitting 287.1 yards per recreation, and is tied for twenty sixth in factors allowed per recreation, 25.7.
Winston shall be one other problem for the Ravens’ defensive backs. Baltimore might be with out Marlon Humphrey, who’s tied for second within the NFL with 4 interceptions, after he sustained a knee damage within the Ravens’ 41-31 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night time.
Humphrey and fellow cornerbacks Nate Wiggins (shoulder) and T.J. Tampa (ankle) didn’t apply Wednesday. Stout defensive sort out Travis Jones (ankle), vast receiver Zay Flowers (ankle) and operating Rasheen Ali (ankle) additionally sat out.
“I do know that they seem to be a robust group traditionally that has been among the best defenses in my period, so I do know they will play onerous,” Winston mentioned in regards to the Ravens. “I do know that they’ve a very good secondary. …
“We simply acquired to go and do our job. It is actually not about them and who they’re. It’s about us and who we’re.”
–Discipline Degree Media
