The Ravens and Browns are headed for a heavyweight showdown featuring two of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL and the two best defensive units on the planet.
Cleveland edge rusher Myles Garrett has talked the talk this week, and a significant reason stems from a dominant defense that’s been outstanding outside of a few letdown performances.
The Browns rank first in yards allowed (234.8), the fewest given up in the league through nine weeks in 15 years. They’ll look to smother a Ravens offense that rushed for over 130 yards in the first meeting, with Lamar Jackson having one of his most efficient outings of the season.
With kickoff fast approaching, here are three keys for the Baltimore offense.
red zone success
The Ravens’ 296 total offensive yards against the Browns in their last meeting was their third-lowest output of the season. Baltimore still was victorioius thanks to the offense going 4-for-4 in the red zone.
Mark Andrews
Mark Andrews has nine touchdowns in 11 games against the Browns. That’s the most of any opponent in his career.
Feed Andrews, and keep things simple.
Keep Lamar efficient
Lamar Jackson is a dual-threat who is now using his legs to help elevate the Ravens passing game.
In game one, Jackson finished 15 of 19 for 186 passing yards and two touchdowns, as well as nine carries for 27 yards and two scores.
Through nine games this season, Jackson has completed 181 of 253 passes for 1,954 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s also rushed for 440 yards on 84 carries and five touchdowns.
The goal is to keep Lamar efficient, while opening up the offense.
Run Cleveland out of the building
The Ravens have dynamic three running backs in Gus Edwards, Keaton Mitchell and Justice Hill.
Edwards leads Baltimore with 478 total rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. Still, Mitchell proved that he’s the most explovie rusher in their Week 9 matchup against the Seahawks when he rushed for 138 yards and a touchdown.
The Ravens lead the league in total rushing yards this season with 1,443 yards, as well as a league-leading 17 rushing touchdowns. The Browns run defense is comingg off a game in which they held Arizona to 41 net rushing yards.
