Baltimore vs Cleveland Act II

This time Ravens go to the Dawg Pound

And so the 2 teams with a linked history meet yet again. Or is it the same 2 teams?

If you recall when these 2 went at it in week 2 the Ravens were just a new born offense. Rookie Joe Flacco was thrust onto the scene and this is a new Baltimore coaching staff. Here we are 5 games later and things are starting to take shape. Add to the fact that Rex Ryan has the Ravens defense snarling as usual.

Statistically the defense is among the league elite. The offense's progress is more noted on film than in league rankings. But they are established as one of the NFL's leading rushing attacks. The tandem of Willis MaGahee and Le'Ron McClain is actually becoming a three headed monster as Ray Rice slowly is grafted in to the game plan. This is a big time backfield averaging 142+ yards per game. #5 in the NFL.

Flacco is still learning but he shows promise of stability and flashes of reliability. And gradually the stats are showing signs of the improvement seen on game film. The team is climbing to respectability in points scored as the year goes forward. Yes they still have a ways to go but this is not a quick fix. Kid Joe is at a modest 70 QB rating but for a rookie that is not bad, relatively speaking. That puts him at #29 out of the 35 QB's that are ranked however. He is completing over 60% of his passes and that is a good sign.

One thing that would help is if someone other than Derek Mason would step up as a wide out. After Mason you have the 3 running backs and TE Todd Heap competing with Mark Clayton as the #2 receiver. Joe Flacco's one reception made him the 9th best receiver on the team! On the other hand they are spreading the ball out with some success. But the fact that the running backs are standing out in the passing game tells me that Flacco is not going downfield enough and/or Cameron is sticking with high percentage(translate safe) plays.

In contrast we need to except the fact that this is not the same Browns team we beat. During Romeo Crennel's tenure the Browns have started off slow each season and have been a tough opponent as the season went on. The Browns have won 2 of their last 3 beating the Super Bowl champion Giants and a playoff caliber Jacksonville team. So this week the Browns are going to be ready to play. Especially at home.

The Browns league rankings then I will take with a grain of salt. Except that their defense has kept teams to 17 points per game.

This game then will come down to the Ravens offense punching it in. Which may seem like stating the obvious since the team with the most points wins. But what I mean is the Browns are a bend but don't break defense. They will give up yardage but be stingy with touchdowns. So it is important for the Ravens to susatain drives and scoring touchdowns and not field goals.

On paper this would look like a Baltimore win even with the game in Cleveland. In fact the betting odds makers have Baltimore as a slight favorite. All things considered though I am going with a gut feeling I have which is a pain in my side that says Cleveland wins 20 to 13. Which by the way Vegas has the game as a 36 point over/under.

Now if Baltimore musters up some points on defense than all bets are off.

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RAVENS INJURY REPORT 10/30

• Jared Gaither T Neck Did Not Participate In Practice
• Chris McAlister CB Knee Did Not Participate In Practice
• Daniel Wilcox TE Thigh Did Not Participate In Practice
• Todd Heap TE Neck Full Participation in Practice
• Le'Ron McClain RB Ankle Full Participation in Practice
• Ed Reed S Shoulder Full Participation in Practice
• Brendon Ayanbadejo LB Ankle Limited Participation in Practice
• Yamon Figurs WR Knee Limited Participation in Practice
• Willis McGahee RB Ankle Limited Participation in Practice
• Samari Rolle CB Neck Limited Participation in Practice
• Adam Terry T Knee Limited Participation in Practice
• Frank Walker CB Thigh Limited Participation in Practice
• Dawan Landry S Neck Out (Definitely Will Not Play)

Browns Injury Report 10/30

• Jamal Lewis RB Not Injury Related Did Not Participate In Practice
• Ryan Tucker G Knee Did Not Participate In Practice
• Lawrence Vickers RB Ankle Did Not Participate In Practice
• Corey Williams DE Shoulder Did Not Participate In Practice
• Mike Adams S Hamstring Limited Participation in Practice
• Sean Jones S Knee Limited Participation in Practice
• Shantee Orr LB Foot Limited Participation in Practice
• Shaun Smith DT Hand Limited Participation in Practice
• Donte' Stallworth WR Quadricep Limited Participation in Practice

By Andy Natalie
ProFootball-fans.com Baltimore Ravens Correspondent