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The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Cleveland Browns 25-15 last Sunday, improving their record to 6-2. The contest was much closer than the final score might suggest, and Cleveland even held a one point lead during a portion of the fourth quarter. The Ravens’ offense stalled for most of the second and third quarters, allowing Trent Richardson to carry his team back into the game. His stellar performance raised even more concerns on an already struggling defense, adding another 100 yard game against the Ravens this season.
The team did not look very impressive in any aspect of the game but were able to buckle down in the Red Zone when needed, on both sides of the ball. Holding the Browns out of the end zone became the difference between 6-2 and a tie for the division lead with the Steelers at 5-3. The Corners made the biggest impact for the Ravens defense, shutting down the young Receivers for the Browns. This week, Baltimore will play the Oakland Raiders at home for the first time in a month.
If the Ravens secondary does not play a spectacular game, Carson Palmer may put up some spectacular numbers. With Darren McFadden sidelined with an ankle injury, the Raiders will be one-dimensional, and the underrated receiving core could have a feast. In previous years, a one dimensional offense would grind to a halt against the Ravens, this year, they thrive. UMD alum, Darrius Heyward-Bey, and Denarius Moore make up a formidable receiving core that poses serious matchup concerns for Cary Williams and Jimmy Smith. All have deep speed and the ability to separate causing concerns for a bigger defensive backfield.
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Ed Reed will play a key role in the outcome of the game, if he can provide support to Cary Williams, who does not have the speed to consistently cover Heyward-Bey or Moore, and then the Ravens have a good chance to win the game. Bernard Pollard will have his hands full with Marcel Reece, Taiwan Jones and Brandon Myers, so the corners must be able to hold their own on the outside. If Reed gambles wrong on a few of his reads, Carson Palmer will eat the secondary alive.
This is my Note from the Rafters of my own couch.
