Will a new quarterback lead to a win for Cleveland?
This Sunday, the Cleveland Browns take on the Baltimore Ravens. Below, we analyze a few advantages, disadvantages, or general thoughts about the two teams before getting to our predictions for the game.
Game Analysis
Trying to Get the Offense Started
- Another season has come and gone with Deshaun Watson being a sunk cost. Unlike last year, when the Browns had a magical season despite their quarterback situation, they are 1-6 this year, which puts them in a hole that is likely far too deep to dig out of.
- Now, we move on to Jameis Winston. There are some parallels to last season and how Joe Flacco did in this offense — can Winston somehow pull off the same feat? I believe he has a bit of a similar gunslinger mentality, meaning we’ll see less short passes, and he won’t be a quarterback who is afraid to let it rip on any given play. That should lead to more production, but it can also lead to some more interceptions.
- Cleveland gets Nick Chubb for what figures to be a full game this week, after he was on a pitch count a week ago. The Browns’ offensive line also gains Wyatt Teller back at right guard, but the team loses Jedrick Wills at left tackle, with Dawand Jones getting the start their instead. The combination of Jones, Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic, Teller, and Jack Conklin is probably the team’s best five combo, but we know that Jones has taken a big step back compared to a year ago with his production.
- Baltimore’s secondary has been shaky this season, and injuries aren’t helping either. David Njoku had a good game last week, despite a couple of drops, and he was also instrumental in Cleveland beating the Ravens last season.
- How will Ken Dorsey calling plays impact the offense? I’m not necessarily expecting a whole new offensive system, but I hope it leads to the plays being communicated quicker, and Kevin Stefanski being able to make an impact in other ways since his head won’t be buried in a playsheet.
Stopping the Ravens
- Stopping the Ravens’ offense is easier said than done After a couple of losses to begin the season, their offense has been on fire, leading them to five straight wins as Derrick Henry is tearing up defenses. Henry has been breaking the big runs each week. Since Week 2, his longs per game are 29, 29, 87, 51, 27, and 81 yards. He has 8 touchdowns on 134 carries for 873 yards (6.5 YPC). Yes, it’s true that those big plays are leading to a high YPC average but we can’t just discount those runs: he is getting them each week, and when you think of Cleveland’s defense, there have been issues with bad tackling.
- On the receiving end of things, Isaiah Likely appeared to be in store...
Dawgs By Nature
