OWINGS MILLS — Here’s a look at the Baltimore Ravens’ matchup against the Cleveland Browns:
5 CRITICAL QUESTIONS
1. Will the Baltimore Ravens advance to 3-0 for the first time in franchise history? That’s the most likely scenario, particularly since they’re competing against another winless outfit today versus the Cleveland Browns. The Ravens are probably too talented, physical and hungry to lose for the third consecutive year at their traditional AFC North rival. Like the Raiders and Buccaneers, the Browns have issues with their offensive line. Except Cleveland has perhaps even more dire problems in its injury-riddled secondary. It doesn’t appear to shape up well for the home team, and Baltimore should be determined to redeem itself on offense. The combination of a bad offensive line trying to hold back the flood gates of the Ravens’ pass rush to protect a fairly green quarterback in Charlie Frye sounds like a recipe for disaster for the Browns.
2. Will the Ravens find the path to the end zone without a road map and a compass? The Ravens’ red-zone failures have been well-documented. They’re tied for 20th in the NFL in red-zone scoring percentage with a 33.3 percent mark. Their primary foibles have been a series of penalties, especially the offensive line, and veteran quarterback Steve McNair’s confounding lack of accuracy in confined areas. A lack of imaginative calls inside the 20-yard line from offensive coordinator Jim Fassel and Ravens coach Brian Billick have exacerbated the situation. The Ravens need to get a handle on this problem right now. As wide receiver Derrick Mason astutely pointed out, this kind of production won’t beat the elite teams.
3. How many big plays will linebacker Adalius Thomas make? Thomas, who’s in a contract year, is rapidly emerging as the Ravens’ most valuable defender. He plays safety, linebacker, end, tackle and even lined up at cornerback last year. At 6-foot-2, 270 pounds, his blend of size and athleticism and ability to disguise what position he’s playing could cause confusion for Frye.
4. Is Jamal Lewis primed for a big game? With a limited workload in the first two games, Lewis is getting healthier each week and might see increased carries today. Lewis has posted five of his 25 career 100-yard games against the Browns, including his NFL single-game record 295-yard game in 2003. The Browns are allowing nearly 160 rushing yards a game.
5. Can the Ravens contain explosive receiver Braylon Edwards and silenced tight end Kellen Winslow? Winslow leads the Browns in receptions, but has yet to get untracked vertically. Edwards, though, already has a 75-yard touchdown and is averaging 22.2 yards per reception. He’s likely to be covered by cornerback Chris McAlister.
