Cleveland Browns vs Baltimore Ravens: Week 2 Q&A with The Baltimore Wire

The Cleveland Browns came up short despite a good effort in Week 1. As Week 2 is upon us, what should we know about this weekend’s game versus the Baltimore Ravens?

In their first two games of the 2017 season, the Cleveland Browns will be facing two divisional opponents. Looking ahead, there is a stretch of games where Cleveland could and probably should be the favorite.

Prior to that though, the focus is on the Baltimore Ravens. With both teams knowing each other so well, we discussed Sunday’s game with FanSided’s The Baltimore Wire for more perspective. To help us, TBW’s Site Expert Ben Palmer gave his thoughts.

FoS: Is the way Baltimore’s defense played last week going to be a norm in 2017?

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BP: I genuinely think it could be. Now, not every offensive line is going to be as bad as Cincinnati’s was and not every quarterback is gonna be Andy Dalton, but the Ravens defense is really solid this year. Adding Tony Jefferson and Brandon Carr and drafting Marlon Humphrey really added to an already solid secondary. Plus they’ve got a formidable front seven.

FoS: Is Joe Flacco really the second best QB in the AFC North? Although it has been just one game, one could argue that Flacco is declining and DeShone Kizer could be considered in his place.

BP: I actually like Kizer’s potential a lot, but I’m not ready to say he’s better than Joe just yet. The Ravens are going run-heavy this year (which is smart because Flacco can’t throw the ball 40 times a game if you want to win — the team needs balance) and in Week 1, Flacco was just coming off his back injury.

I think better days are ahead, especially with some solid offensive weapons in Jeremy Maclin and Mike Wallace, not to mention Buck Allen, who will likely take over the Danny Woodhead role.

FoS: Given how Cleveland played Pittsburgh last week, are the Ravens going to be on edge on Sunday?

BP: This game could be competitive because I think the Browns aren’t a dumpster fire of a team. They’ve got a nice little defense and this game could be close. I still expect the Ravens to win fairly confidently, but I wouldn’t be shocked if this is fairly competitive.

FoS: What will make the difference that will determine who wins the Week 2 game?

BP: I think it’s gonna be offensive efficiency. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say the Ravens have the better defense here, but if Kizer can keep the Ravens’ defense on edge, he’s got some solid weapons in Kenny Britt and especially in Corey Coleman (as well as Isaiah Crowell). They could make this game difficult for the Ravens to win.

FoS: Should Browns fans expect a better game out of Isaiah Crowell this week?

BP: I think they should but not a whole lot better. The Ravens’ front seven is solid against the run. Brandon Williams and Michael Pierce are both very good run stuffers. The linebacker corps is aging, but C.J. Mosley and Terrell Suggs are both still solid.

Next: W2 predictions: Browns vs Ravens

Still, Crowell’s a talented runner and if he runs out instead of right into the gut of the defensive line, he could have some success.

We thank Ben very much his contributions prior to Sunday’s game.

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