Cleveland Browns Vs Baltimore Ravens Anaylsis
This is a big game for both teams. Baltimore(4-4), still has hopes for the playoffs while Cleveland(1-7), needs to get a win. With each loss, the mood in Cleveland will get uglier, if that’s possible. If the Ravens can’t beat the Browns, their playoff hopes will look pretty bleak.
Brady Quinn will get the start at QB for the Browns. Quinn was benched at halftime in the first meeting between the two teams, a 34-3 win by the Ravens. Now mangini will be leaning heavily on Quinn for Mangini’s sake as much as Quinn’s. Unless Cleveland is able to turn it around these last eight games, both player and coach could be gone before next year.
Offensively, Cleveland needs to move the football and give their defense a rest. Quinn needs to spread the ball around on offense to keep the Ravens guessing while putting points on the board. If the Browns become predictable, the Ravens defense will devour them. Jerome Harrison and Josh Cribbs need to get the majority of carries on offense. Jamal Lewis should be used on short yardage only. Cleveland should be able to move the ball if they can protect Quinn.
Defensively, Rob Ryan needs to get the same effort he got from his players against Chicago. Cleveland has not forced many turnovers this year and are -11 in take a ways. The defense will need to get to Flacko and force some mistakes. Ryan got more agressive with his blitz packages aginst the Bears and needs to do the same against Baltimore.
I know I’ve been saying this all year but Cleveland has to win the special teams battle. A Cribbs touchdown return would surely help the offense.
Playing on Monday Night in prime time is maybe what Cleveland needs to bring out their best game. Playing on Sundays sure hasn’t.
Gary…..ouch! On National TV?!?
gerris, I agree but ouch is too nice a word.