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Ravens vs Browns: An Interview With The Baltimore Wire

By Ryan Rosko

Nov 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) throws a pass during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) throws a pass during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2016 home debut for the Cleveland Browns is versus a familiar foe, the Baltimore Ravens. To get Baltimore’s perspective prior to Sunday’s game, FanSided’s The Baltimore Wire answered a few questions.

Last week before the Cleveland Browns faced off versus the Philadelphia Eagles, Factory of Sadness gave you insight into the Eagles. This week, we discussed Cleveland’s Week 2 opponent, the Ravens with Joe Serpico of The Baltimore Wire. Let’s hope this weekend that we see a different outcome!

Do you believe the legitimacy of the Cleveland Browns/Baltimore Ravens rivalry is impacted at all given the history of Cleveland’s constant rebuilding in various forms?

It might be considered a rivalry in Cleveland, but Baltimore does not feel that way as the Ravens are 25-9 against the Browns. The Ravens-(Pittsburgh) Steelers rivalry is one of the best in the NFL.

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The (Cincinnati) Bengals have not only been competitive, but built great depth in recent years which has drawn respect. The same cannot be said about Cleveland, even if our team comes from there. Until the Browns pose a serious threat in the AFC North, this is not much of a rivalry.

Who’s an under the radar player that is not getting the attention he deserves, but Cleveland must be aware of?

He might not be under the radar in Cleveland after a poor showing with the Browns, but running back Terrance West has been the talk of Baltimore after many thought he would not make the team before training camp.

He split carries with Justin Forsett in Week 1, but it’s only a matter of time before the job is his. The Ravens wanted more from their running game so expect an emphasis on the rushing attack Sunday. West will handle most of the goal line carries and will be looking for revenge on his former team.

Which Browns player should concern the Ravens the most?

Ravens fans wish that Robert Griffin would be active Sunday because Josh McCown had their number last season. He threw for 669 yards and three touchdowns, and added a rushing score in two games against the Ravens last year.

He set a career high in passing yards in the Browns win at Baltimore, throwing for 457 yards. It’s not often that a team worries about the backup quarterback, but McCown is one quarterback that has given the Ravens fits.

Having coached Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco (not to mention coaching with the Bengals), does that give Browns head coach Hue Jackson any possibility of an advantage when Flacco is on the field?

Jackson worked with Flacco in his first two seasons in the NFL, but a lot has changed for both men since those days. At this point of his career, the book is written on Flacco so their time together in Baltimore should mean little Sunday.

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His is work with the Bengals is more important. He has game planned for the Ravens and there is little doubt that Jackson will call Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis for some advice on the Ravens. It might give him a little bit of an advantage, but will not decide the outcome of the game.

What will be the difference in determining who wins on Sunday and what is your prediction?

The Ravens defense is coming off a smothering performance over the Buffalo Bills and that was with little pressure on the quarterback. The secondary was last year’s biggest weakness, but held the Bills to 95 yards through the air.

Obviously a repeat performance is unlikely, but McCown should not have the same success he had a year ago. As far as a prediction goes, I am going with a 27-21 Ravens win. West gets into the end zone a couple times and the Ravens defense makes just enough plays to move to 2-0.

Next: How Long Will Hue Jackson Last?

FoS would like to thank Joe for his time to discuss Sunday’s game and answer our questions. We wish Joe and The Baltimore Wire plenty of success the rest of the season. That is however except for the two games when the Ravens take on the Browns!

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