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 using 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 a whole lot of soccer video games,” Stefanski mentioned about Winston on Wednesday. “He is seen a whole lot of soccer. So, we have now whole confidence in him. I feel the fellows actually respect him … due to the work he places in. He is in right here early, I can affirm that. And he is obtained that power instantly.”
Regardless of the document, 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 move catchers with broad receiver Jerry Jeudy and tight finish David Njoku. The Browns obtained 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 may be nowhere to go however up for the Browns’ offense, which ranks thirty second within the NFL with 253.9 yards per sport and twenty ninth with 15.6 factors per sport.
As well as, Stefanski introduced that he’s turning play-calling over to offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. Because of this, the Ravens are usually not taking the Browns frivolously and are ensuring they do not get caught in a proverbial entice sport.
“I feel the Browns are a really bodily group,” Ravens security Kyle Hamilton mentioned. “They do not have the most effective document proper now, however I feel on tape, once you watch them, they’ve expertise, they usually could cause some points should you do not take them severely. (It is) a division opponent. (I’ve) a whole lot of respect for them. (We have) obtained 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), middle Ethan Pocic (knee) and deal with Jedrick Wills (knee) didn’t apply Wednesday because 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.
Nonetheless, Jackson is totally targeted on profitable a championship, no more accolades. The Browns’ protection, led by Myles Garrett (4 sacks), might want to hold Jackson beneath wraps to win the sport. Garrett is coping with an Achilles problem however was capable of apply Wednesday.
“I am chasing one thing proper now, so every sport goes to be the identical factor for me,” Jackson mentioned. “I’ll be the identical particular person. Each sport, I am attempting to win.”
The addition of Derrick Henry has been an enormous increase for the Ravens, who lead the NFL with 461.4 whole yards and 31.1 factors per sport.
“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 speeding yards. “All of the credit score goes to them. … I hope it retains going.”
The Ravens’ largest weak point has been the secondary. Baltimore is ranked thirty second (final) towards the move, permitting 287.1 yards per sport, and is tied for twenty sixth in factors allowed per sport, 25.7.
Winston can be one other problem for the Ravens’ defensive backs. Baltimore may very well 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 evening.
Humphrey and fellow cornerbacks Nate Wiggins (shoulder) and T.J. Tampa (ankle) didn’t apply Wednesday. Stout defensive deal with Travis Jones (ankle), broad receiver Zay Flowers (ankle) and operating Rasheen Ali (ankle) additionally sat out.
“I do know that they are a robust group traditionally that has been the most effective defenses in my period, so I do know they are going to play arduous,” Winston mentioned concerning the Ravens. “I do know that they’ve a superb secondary. …
“We simply obtained to go and do our job. It is actually not about them and who they’re. It’s about us and who we’re.”
–Area Stage Media
