Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens: Game Preview

Sep 27, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) runs after the catch as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback

(24) attempt to tackle him during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Cincinnati Bengals defeated Baltimore Ravens 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens Are Missing Steve Smith Sr.

If you’re like most Browns fans and are looking for a reason to be positive about the Browns chances on Sunday, then look no further.

WR Steve Smith has been ruled out for Sunday’s contest.

This is about as big of a sigh of relief as the Browns might get this entire season. Smith has been on an absolute rampage so far, on what is supposedly going to be his final year in the NFL. A rampage so great that many Ravens fans are asking Smith to postpone his retirement another year or two.

Smith is currently ranked 9th in the league in receiving yards at 373 which is more than both Amari Cooper and Demaryius Thomas. He’s been playing pretty well for this to be his final year. However, as I said before, the Browns will not have to worry about that because Smith will be out Sunday due to a few broken bones in his back and ribs. While I’m wishing Smith a good recovery, I’m thankful the Browns will not have to see him on Sunday.

The Ravens will have to rely more on tight end Crockett Gillmore (151 yards and 2 TDs) and WR Kamar Aiken (165 yards and a TD) to get the job done in the passing game.

Of course the Ravens will be giving RB Justin Forsett a higher workload on Sunday given Smith’s injury and the Browns inability to stop any running back anywhere. Forsett has started the year with 274 yards on 66 attempts for the Ravens.

The Ravens still have decent players on offense, but without Smith on the field, Joe Flacco (102/159, 1,052 yards, 5TDs, 5INTs) will have his work cut out for him on Sunday.

Next: A Depleted Ravens Defense