Ravens Rush Attack vs. Browns Rush Defense

The Browns rush defense could be one of the worst in league history, even relative to other Browns defenses in recent memory. And as bad as they have been, the Texans are actually still worse at the moment, statistically. Regardless, the Browns have allowed more than 400 yards rushing in just two games. And the Ravens? Well, they only bring the league’s fourth best rush attack to the game. While no individual Raven is going to have Adrian Peterson-type numbers at the end of the day (180 yards and 3 TDs), you can bet that the Ravens are going to get as much as they can on the ground. Any of the Ravens three runners (Willis McGahee, Ray Rice and Le’Ron McClain) could handle this defense alone. And with the help of the Ravens offensive line, which has been downright dominant on the ground this season, you can expect to see defenders blown off the ball play after play. Edge: Ravens

Ravens Pass Attack vs. Browns Pass Defense:

Compared their rush defense, the Browns pass defense is a super-star unit. At present, the Browns pass defense is seventh in the league, allowing just over 170 yards passing per game. But the Browns apparent success in stopping the pass is a bit of a magic act. The Browns have four sacks in two games and no interceptions. They are not getting pressure, nor are they finding the ball. In reality, it’s not that the Browns are able to stop the pass, but more that opponents find it easier (and safer) to keep the ball on the ground. Meanwhile, Joe Flacco and the Ravens pass attack continues to grow. Flacco’s numbers in San Diego were not outstanding, but he did find the endzone twice and converted a number of important third downs. The receivers are finding their niches in the unit. And the offensive line has done a brilliant job of keeping Flacco safe. Edge: Ravens

Browns Rush Attack vs. Ravens Rush Defense

The Browns 2009 version of Jamal Lewis is not the Jamal Lewis that Ravens fans remember grinding out 2000 yards in 2003 and driving an offense for six seasons. Lewis has continued to have leg injuries since arriving in Cleveland and this year is no different; he did not practice on Thursday and may not play on Sunday. But even with Lewis, the Browns rush attack is less than explosive. Lewis has less than 100 yards in his two games this season and is not even averaging four yards per carry. As a team, the Browns have managed just 41 carries in two games and 143 yards on those attempts. The Browns will be bringing that attack, without Lewis, against the Ravens and the league’s best rush defense. You can’t run through them (think about that, running through Kelly Gregg and Haloti Ngata), and you can’t run around them. And, actually, come to think of it, you may not even be able to run to them. (Click Here) Sorry, couldn’t resist. Edge: Ravens

Browns Pass Attack vs. Ravens Pass Defense

If there’s one spot where the Browns might be able to make some ground against the Ravens, it’s in the air. The Ravens pass defense has been severely suspect in its first two games. Not only did the Ravens allow Philip Rivers to pass for over 400 yards last week, but in Week 1 they allowed the Chiefs and Brodie Croyle to move downfield easily on several occasions. The Ravens corners are small and are still not totally familiar with the team’s system. Add to that a limited pass rush and it’s a formula for big passing days. The question is whether the Browns can capitalize on the Ravens weakness. Brady Quinn can certainly throw the ball, but he’s yet to prove it in the NFL. And receiver Braylon Edwards will give the Ravens trouble downfield – he’s the kind of height/speed combo that caused so many problems in San Diego. But the question is whether the two can connect. Last week they managed to combine for more than 90 yards. If that’s the only damage Quinn can do, the Ravens should be ok. Edge: Even

Special Teams

The Ravens special teams made solid progress last week in San Diego. Steven Hauschka’s kick offs and place kicking both looked solid. Sam Koch had one of the best games of his career. And the Ravens return game began to show signs of life. But the Ravens did struggle to contain Chargers return man Darren Sproles. In Cleveland, the Ravens will have to face the only return man better than Sproles – Josh Cribbs. They’ll also face one of the few kickers more accurate than legend Matt Stover, veteran Phil Dawson. And their own former punter, Dave Zastudil. The Browns special teams could cause problems for the Ravens, but not enough to change the game. Edge: Browns

Intangibles

The Ravens are among the league’s best at home. The Ravens defense is eager to prove that they remember how to defend the pass and make the big play. The whole unit is energized by the finish to last week’s game and the boost in national media coverage this week. The Browns are quickly establishing themselves as the league’s worst team. Eric Mangini is continuing to fight reports that his team despises him.  It all points one way. Edge: Ravens

Prediction

No chance, not close, don’t even hesitate. Actually, my only hesitation is that I hate feeling this confident. But there’s simply no doubt. The Ravens are going to run away with this one. The only questions… Will Harbaugh pull his starters early if things get out of hand? (If he does, will it matter? Troy Smith could handle this defense). Will the Ravens defense score and find its big play ability? Will the Ravens put up more yards on the ground or in the air? Ravens 34, Browns 9