The Baltimore Ravens and the host Cleveland Browns are headed in opposite directions for their AFC North matchup on Sunday.
Baltimore (5-2) is riding a five-game winning streak and tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the title. Cleveland (1-6) has lost five straight and is in last place.
While the Ravens are led by two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Browns face a challenge at the position after starter Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles tear last week in Cleveland’s 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. .
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski named Jameis Winston as the starting quarterback over Dorian Thompson-Robinson to oppose the Ravens in Week 8.
“He’s won a lot of football games,” Stefanski said of Winston on Wednesday. “He’s seen a lot of football. So, we have complete confidence in him. I think the guys really respect him … because of the work he does. He came in here early, I can guarantee that. And he’s got that power. right now.”
Despite the record, the Browns have talent and would like to end the Ravens’ winning streak. Winston has the talent to throw the ball downfield and has talented pass catchers in wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and tight end David Njoku. The Browns got a boost when running back and fan favorite Nick Chubb returned last week after sitting out Week 2 of the 2023 season with a left knee injury.
They have nowhere to go without the Browns’ offense, which ranks 32nd in the NFL with 253.9 yards per game and 29th with 15.6 points per game.
In addition, Stefanski announced that he is turning over offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. Because of this, the Ravens don’t take the Browns lightly and make sure they don’t get caught in the proverbial trapping game.
“I think the Browns are a catchable team,” Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton said. “They don’t have the best record right now, but I think on tape, when you watch them, they have talent, and they can cause some problems if you don’t take them too seriously. (It’s a competitive team.) I have a lot of respect for them (we have to) go in there and do what we do.”
Cleveland safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (ankle), linebacker Jordan Hicks (elbow/triceps), running back Jerome Ford (hamstring), center Ethan Pocic (knee) and Jedrick Wills (knee) did not practice Wednesday due to injuries.
The stakes are high for the Ravens, who are determined to reach the Super Bowl for the first time since the 2012-13 season. Jackson is having another MVP-caliber season, as he ranks fifth in the league with 1,810 passing yards and is tied for second with 15 touchdown passes.
However, Jackson is completely focused on winning the championship, not other awards. Brown’s defense, led by Myles Garrett (four sacks), will need to keep Jackson under wraps to win the game. Garrett is dealing with an Achilles injury but was able to practice on Wednesday.
“There’s something I’m chasing right now, so every game is going to be the same for me,” Jackson said. “I will be the same person. Every game, I try to win.”
The addition of Derrick Henry has been a big boost for the Ravens, who lead the NFL with 461.4 yards and 31.1 points per game.
“The offensive line did a hell of a job; I mean a hell of a job,” said Henry, who leads the NFL with 873 rushing yards. “All credit goes to them. … I hope it continues.”
The Ravens’ biggest weakness has been the secondary. Baltimore ranks 32nd (last) against the pass, allowing 287.1 yards per game, and is tied for 26th in points allowed per game, 25.7.
Winston will be another challenge for the Ravens defensive backs. Baltimore could be without Marlon Humphrey, who is tied for second in the NFL with four touchdown passes, after suffering a knee injury during the Ravens’ 41-31 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night.
Humphrey and fellow cornerbacks Nate Wiggins (shoulder) and TJ Tampa (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. Travis Jones (ankle), wide receiver Zay Flowers (ankle) and running back Rasheen Ali (ankle) also remain out.
“I know they’re a historically tough team that has been one of the best defensive players in my time, so I know they’re going to play hard,” Winston said of the Ravens. “I know they have a good secondary school….
“We have to go and do our job. It’s not really about them and who they are. It’s about us and who we are.”
–Field Level Media
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