The Cleveland Browns have long been picked on as one of the NFL’s worst teams. Residing in the Factory of Sadness, the Browns are all too familiar with last place in the AFC North. However, led by rookies Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson, this year’s Browns are definitely a threat, and they will test the Ravens on Sunday.
The Week 4 matchup between the Ravens and Browns did not go as expected. The game came down to the final play where the Browns had an opportunity to tie the game with a last second Hail Mary pass.
This wasn’t the predicted outcome as Cleveland was widely viewed as a highly inferior opponent for the then 2-1 Ravens.
Cleveland had plenty of opportunities to score throughout the game and came very close to taking the lead in the fourth quarter. If not for a costly dropped pass by Greg Little, the Browns would have brought the game to within three points, but instead had to settle for a field goal. On their next possession, Travis Benjamin dropped another potential touchdown that would have tied the game.
It’s very clear that the final score of 23-16 doesn’t tell the whole story. Surprisingly, the Browns outplayed the Ravens in many aspects during that game despite being on the road at M&T Bank Stadium, where the Ravens have not lost since late in 2010.
This week, the Browns now have the advantage of playing at home and against a defense that’s been riddled with injuries.
The Ravens defense may be in for a long day as running back Trent Richardson is looking to follow up on his 122-yard rushing performance against San Diego last week.
You also can’t forget to mention quarterback Brandon Weeden. The rookie continues to look better and better each week and has given the Browns a viable passing attack.
While their defense is spotty at times, more of the pressure will be put on the Ravens offense to produce than on the Browns defense to stop them. This will be a huge advantage for the Browns if they’re able to get ahead of the Ravens early on.
While most Ravens fans see games against the Browns as sure wins, this one will be anything but easy. Expect the Browns to test the Ravens in all facets of the game.
