January 01, 2006|By JAMISON HENSLEY
Ravens run offense vs. Browns run defense
The Ravens' inability to run the ball has been one of this season's biggest
mysteries, but it mainly boils down to the offensive line's inconsistent play. The Ravens need to gain 112 yards to avoid their worst rushing season in franchise history. Jamal Lewis has received 20 or more carries in three of his past four games. After reeling off five straight 100-yard games against the Browns, Lewis has averaged 65.7 yards in the past three meetings. Cleveland, which has the NFL's fourth-worst run defense, has allowed 100-yard rushers in four consecutive games.
Edge -- Even
Ravens pass offense vs. Browns pass defense
One of the biggest keys to quarterback Kyle Boller's success the past two games has been his pass protection. That shouldn't be a problem against the Browns, whose 21 sacks are the fewest in the league. The Ravens have developed a triple threat in targets Derrick Mason, Todd Heap and Mark Clayton, each of whom has had a 100-yard game over the past three games. The Browns have the second-best pass defense in the AFC, holding quarterbacks to a 52 percent completion rate over the past four games (51-for-98). Still, Cleveland has given up eight touchdown passes in five games. Cornerback Leigh Bodden leads the Browns in interceptions (three) and passes broken up (18).
Edge -- Ravens
Browns run offense vs. Ravens run defense
Running back Reuben Droughns has not reached 90 yards in his past five games, which matches his touchdown drought. He has averaged 3.3 yards a carry over that span despite playing just one run defense ranked in the top 11. To make matters worse, Mike Pucillo makes his second start of the season at center, where he replaces injured Mike Faine. The Ravens, who rank No. 10 against the run, are trying to fix their sloppy open-field tackling from last Sunday. They have not allowed a running back to gain more than 63 yards the past three games. Linebacker Bart Scott has averaged 8.4 tackles since taking over for Ray Lewis nine games ago.
Edge -- Ravens
Browns pass offense vs. Browns pass defense
Rookie quarterback Charlie Frye, who is 1-3 as a starter, is coming off his roughest outing. Against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the third-round pick was sacked eight times, fumbled four times (losing one) and suffered a mild concussion. The Browns, who had already lost rookie receiver Braylon Edwards and tight end Kellen Winslow to injuries, had to put Steve Heiden, their top pass-catching tight end, on injured reserve last week. The Ravens, who have the eighth-ranked pass defense, have allowed one 300-yard passer and have held eight quarterbacks under 200 yards passing. Linebacker Adalius Thomas has recorded a sack in four straight games. Cornerback Chris McAlister might not play after being downgraded to questionable Friday.
Edge -- Ravens
Special teams
This is a matchup of two of the most accurate kickers this season. The Ravens' Matt Stover has connected on 27 of his past 28 field-goal attempts, including 17 straight. The Browns' Phil Dawson is 25-for-27 on field goals, making all five kicks beyond 40 yards. The difference is in the punt game. The Browns have the 28th-ranked punt coverage team, and the Ravens have the top-ranked punt-return unit. Clayton is expected to return punts for the second straight game for injured B.J. Sams (lower leg).
Edge -- Even
Intangibles
The Ravens have won consecutive games for the first time since November 2004, but they have no such momentum away from home. The Ravens' average margin of defeat during their 11-game road losing streak is 12.4 points. The Browns don't have a strong home-field advantage after losing back-to-back games in Cleveland, including a 41-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday. Cleveland, which is 0-5 in the AFC North, has won at least one division game every year since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970. The Browns haven't scored a touchdown in 10 quarters, which is really insignificant compared to some of the Ravens' droughts.
Edge -- Even
Prediction
If the Ravens can't stop their road losing skid today, it might never end. But strange things happen to the Ravens on the road (see Boller's mistake-filled game in Denver and the 21 penalties in Detroit), which will make this game closer than many think.
Ravens -- 17-13
Game facts
Matchup
Vs. spread -- Ravens 7-8, Browns 7-8.
Series -- Ravens lead 9-4.
Last meeting -- Ravens won, 16-3, on Oct. 16 at M&T Bank Stadium.
NFL rankings
Ravens offense -- No. 24 (rush No. 19, pass No. 21)
Browns defense -- No. 19 (rush No. 29, pass No. 6)
Browns offense -- No. 25 (rush No. 23, pass No. 23)
Ravens defense -- No. 5 (rush No. 10, pass No. 8)
Ravens injuries
Doubtful -- KR B.J. Sams (lower leg).
Questionable -- CB Chris McAlister (shoulder/thigh).
Probable -- C Mike Flynn (ankle); TE Todd Heap (hip); G Edwin Mulitalo (knee).
Browns injuries
QUESTIONABLE -- G Cosey Coleman (knee); CB Ray Mickens (groin); DE Orpheus Roye (knee).
Quick hits
