Ravens Offense
1) Blitz Recognition: The strength of Cleveland’s defense is its linebacker corps, headed by rookie Kamerion Wimbley and veteran Willie McGinest. This is a group with good size and quickness. Although they have struggled at times to hold up against the run, especially at the point-of-attack, they have been able to get pressure on quarterbacks by running some confusing pass-rush schemes. It will be important for the Ravens offensive line to pinpoint which rushers are coming and which rushers are bluffing, especially when they spread out their formation to pass the ball. The Browns will uses some stunts and inside rushes to test Baltimore’s interior line, so center Mike Flynn must do a good job of not only calling out the right protection schemes, but also helping the guards to form a solid wall to in the middle.
2) Passing to the backs: While the Baltimore receivers have been the main targets in the passing game, especially through the last seven games the Ravens have played since Brian Billick took over as the offensive coordinator, the backs have also been involved in the action. Fullback Ovie Mughelli has developed into a safety valve for Steve McNair to turn to when he is not able to find his primary reads. The Ravens have also sprinkled some effective screen passes to backs Jamal Lewis, Musa Smith and Mike Anderson in third-and-long situations.
However, they have not used the dump-offs as much as they probably could, especially against aggressive blitz attacks. Against the Browns, the backs should be more involved in the passing game, in order to counter the Browns’ outside pass-rush. If Cleveland brings extra linebackers to hit McNair, the backs should be able to make plays in the open field.
3) First-Down Efficiency: Part of the reason for Baltimore’s success in Sunday’s victory over Kansas City had to do with its success on first-down. The Ravens were able to consistently gain positive yardage on first-down, which enabled them to convert 6 of 13 attempts on third-down. Against the Browns, the offense will need to establish the same type of tempo on first-down in order to stay out of third-and-long situations. The only way that Cleveland will have success is to shorten the game, and make it harder for Baltimore to score on offense, and they can accomplish this task by winning the battle on first-down.
Ravens Defense
1) Disguises and Masks: In order for the Ravens to stifle Cleveland’s offensive assault, they will need to do what they do best: Bring pressure, stuff the run and create turnovers. Baltimore has been on top of this three-pronged strategy all season, and should be able to continue their play against green Derek Anderson. Although Anderson has talent and the ability to deliver the ball downfield, he will have a tough time making the right decisions at the line-of-scrimmage if Baltimore shifts their fronts before the snap. Considering that the Ravens are such a versatile defensive team, it is hard to pinpoint which defenders are coming on a blitz play, and Anderson will have to be able to not only figure out who the blitzers are, but he will need to make his decisions quickly to get rid of the ball before he’s hit or sacked.
2) Double Cover: While Cleveland has struggled to run the ball this season, they have had some success moving the ball through the air. Anderson has made good decisions operating out of the pocket. To add, he has gotten help from receivers Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards. The duo burned the Ravens in a Week 3 match-up. Edwards snagged five passes for 116 yards; Winslow caught 7 passes for 92 yards. Both players possess deceptive speed, great size and the physical toughness to get to the football. The Ravens secondary struggled to keep Winslow and Edwards in check despite knowing that the Browns were looking to go to both players to carry the offense. In the rematch, the Ravens will need to keep the duo contained and force other players in Cleveland’s arsenal to make plays.
One-on-One Match-up to Watch: Braylon Edwards versus Chris McAlister: Despite being inconsistent at times, Edwards has been a top-notch deep threat for Cleveland, averaging 15.3 yards per reception. Edwards is not a burner, but he has the size, leaping ability and timing to snatch the ball away from defenders downfield. He is one of the few No.1 targets the Ravens faced this season to gain over 100 yards receiving. After having a sub par season a year ago, McAlister has bounced back to shutdown virtually every wideout he’s faced. Quarterbacks rarely throw to his side, opting to test Samari Rolle and the middle of the field instead. It will be key for McAlister to take away Edwards in this match-up.
