The Old Browns vs. The New(er) Browns

Ravens host Cleveland in Week 3

In 1996 owner Art Modell took the football team known as the Cleveland Browns to the vicinity of the inner harbor in Baltimore. However he left the uniforms, the colors, their history and the name back in Cleveland. That would be because then Commissioner of the NFL, Paul Tagliabue, agreed with the fan base of the city of Cleveland that the Browns belonged in Cleveland. In fact thanks to Paul and the powers that be, the Browns officially re-emerged in 1999 in a new "crib" with the same old uni's.

Add the thorn in the side to Browns fans, that the team formerly known as the Cleveland Browns went on to a Super Bowl Championship, this matchup is always a fan favorite for the 2 cities. What that effect that has the field is probably moot. So let's consider a few things that do impact the game.

The week that wasn't for Baltimore was an odd scenario. Having a game rescheduled due to a Hurricane is not a regular occurrence. The team did prepare however like a normal work week. I have gone on record before as saying that I believe that is actually a good thing for a young Ravens team. That is another week for rookie Joe Flacco to get the offense down. And he has an NFL start under his belt to use as a reference point. Also the team was galvanized by Flacco's inspired play and his willingness to do whatever he could do to contribute including a great downfield block on a double reverse touchdown run. You can bet the coaches made sure the team saw that in film review. Plus as a team the overall rhythm and routine has not been interrupted much.

Also the injury report can only benefit from this kind of anomaly. Guys have healed some and the newer injuries reported are mainly of the expected bumps and bruises variety. The Browns injury list has the same look to it.

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Cleveland in contrast is reeling from an 0 and 2 start. Of course they may pull the wounded animal motivation card heading in to the game but honestly professional athletes are usually not that emotional. Pride may be a different story though. So don't look for the Browns to roll over. Plus you have to think they look at the Ravens as a team ripe for the plucking based on the projected expectations of the Ravens and their rookie NFL head coach and rookie QB.

The Ravens then need to give it the 'ol Emeril "kick it up a notch" attack on defense. Derek Anderson is a rhythm passer and Jamal Lewis is a capable back. (of course the Ravens know this from the fact that Lewis spent his first few years in their backfield. One of those seasons was a 2000 yard campaign for Lewis) So if the Ravens can roll back the clock a few years and play the punishing style they were known for they should do what Pittsburgh and Dallas did to the Browns in weeks 1 and 2. I am penciling in the Ravens keeping Cleveland in check to the figures of 205 yards in the air and 45 yards rushing and no touchdowns. Look for 2 Cleveland turnovers. That will make Romeo Crennel happy. He will have another week to use that as an excuse for his team being anemic.

Offensively it's Bob the Builder time for Kid Joe and the Baltimore gang. Can we build it? Yes we can! Looking to get Willis McGahee back is a nice foundation to start with. Head coach John Harbaugh is going to preach working hard and grinding it out. Learning from last week and building from it. And getting Cam Cameron in the off season to run the offense was glossed over in the media but was huge nonetheless. He is credited with getting Philip Rivers ready in San Diego. The fact that he was in over his head as a head coach in Miami is irrelevant. Frankly getting fired from that black hole of a franchise in South Florida was probably the best thing that could have happened to him. Bill Parcells is a Hall of Fame Coach but a pain in the butt to tolerate if you are under his tutelage.

I think McGahee will have a respectable 47 yards on 12 carries and Joe Flacco will go for 9 and 17 for 136 yards and 1 touchdown. That is what you will get in the box score. On paper it won't look impressive but I think you will see a maturation from the Ravens offense. Cameron will get the numbers up as the season progresses.

Hopefully I am not getting ahead of myself or their growth and I don't think I am acting a little giddy over last weeks win, but this is another week at home. I am looking for a solid 16 - 12 Baltimore win.

By Andy Natalie
ProFootball-fans.com Baltimore Ravens Correspondent