September 14, 2003|By JAMISON HENSLEY
SCOUTING REPORT
Ravens run offense vs. Browns run defense -- RAVENS
Jamal Lewis has averaged 135.8 yards in four games against Cleveland, but his success has come from the Ravens' offensive line wearing down the Browns' defensive front. The Ravens' starting line outweighs Cleveland's front by an average of 27 pounds. The Browns' scheme is to have their front four - three of whom are former first-round picks - control blockers up front and let their young but quick linebackers run free to make the tackles. Look for the Ravens to run behind their left side of Jonathan Ogden and Edwin Mulitalo, who are matched up against Kenard Lang and Orpheus Roye.
Ravens pass offense vs. Browns pass defense -- EVEN
Ravens rookie quarterback Kyle Boller will have more time in the pocket, going from Pittsburgh's high-pressure zone blitzes to Cleveland's more passive defense. The Browns' cover-two defensive scheme forces teams to be patient and chip away by hitting holes in zones and throwing to receivers on crossing routes. In the season opener, Colts quarterback Peyton Manning connected on 62.8 percent of his throws but averaged only 7.8 yards per completion. The Ravens need to capitalize on the mismatches with tight end Todd Heap, who will be covered by linebacker Kevin Bentley or strong safety Robert Griffith. Receiver Frank Sanders is expected to play his first game since dislocating a couple of toes in the preseason opener.
Browns run offense vs. Ravens run defense -- RAVENS
Cleveland has not had a 100-yard rusher in eight games against the Ravens, the Browns' third-longest drought against any team. The Browns' William Green ran for 86 yards against Indianapolis but gained only 5 yards on six rushes in the red zone. Since Cleveland runs its offense with two tight ends or three receivers, Green doesn't have the benefit of a lead blocker and has to rely on cutbacks. The Ravens, who held Pittsburgh to 3.0 yards per carry, held Green to 58 yards on 24 carries last season.
Browns pass offense vs. Ravens pass defense -- BROWNS
Browns quarterback Kelly Holcomb (20-for-29 for 182 yards and two interceptions) had a lackluster performance in the season opener, but the Ravens' secondary had a worse start. The Ravens have a lot to prove after blowing too many coverages against Pittsburgh and lining up wrong twice during the game-deciding final drive against Cleveland last year. Of the Browns' deep receiving corps, Dennis Northcutt has had the biggest impact against the Ravens, making 18 catches for 264 yards and two scores in five meetings. Ravens cornerback Corey Fuller is questionable with a strained left quadriceps muscle but expects to play. If he is sidelined or limited, the Ravens likely will move free safety Gary Baxter to cornerback and start Will Demps at safety. The Ravens need to improve their pass rush and could have an advantage against a Cleveland line that includes starters getting used to new positions.
Special teams -- EVEN
Last year, the field position battle was a wash between the teams. In both meetings, the Ravens' coverage teams allowed Cleveland to start a drive beyond its 32-yard line only twice. But the Ravens' Lamont Brightful averaged only 3.7 yards on punt returns against the Browns. In the kicking game, the Ravens' Matt Stover (84 percent on field-goal attempts last season) and the Browns' Phil Dawson (78.5 percent) are both dependable.
Intangibles -- BROWNS
The Ravens haven't had much of a home-field advantage lately against Cleveland, which has won in its past two trips to Baltimore. That has been status quo for a Browns team that went 6-2 on the road last season. Under coach Butch Davis, the Browns have won three of four meetings with the Ravens but have only outscored them 86-70. The Ravens have lost three straight AFC North games, including an embarrassing 34-15 loss at Pittsburgh a week ago.
Prediction -- RAVENS
The Ravens aren't as bad as they looked in Pittsburgh and they'll prove it today. By revving up their pass rush and running game, the Ravens will stake their claim as the second-best team in the AFC North. Jamal Lewis will collect his usual 100 yards rushing against the Browns as the Ravens run away with a 24-10 victory.
BREAK DOWN
Records
Browns 0-1 Ravens 0-1
Line
Ravens by 2
Vs. spread
Browns 0-1 Ravens 0-1
Series
Ravens lead 5-3
Last meeting
Browns won, 14-13, on Dec. 22, 2002, in Baltimore.
NFL rankings
Browns offense: Overall (21T), rush (15T), pass (22).
Browns defense: Overall (10), rush (9), pass (15).
Ravens offense: Overall (30), rush (20), pass (25).
Ravens defense: Overall (25), rush (16T), pass (21).
Quick hits
In four career games against the Ravens, Browns CB Anthony Henry has four interceptions.
Browns P Chris Gardocki has an NFL-record 909 consecutive punts without a block.
Ravens TE Todd Heap had 11 catches for 114 yards against the Browns in 2002.
Ravens K Matt Stover is 19-for-20 in career field-goal attempts against Cleveland.
Injuries
BROWNS: Probable: DE Courtney Brown (foot); WR Quincy Morgan (hip).
