Cleveland Browns: 3 keys to victory for Week 1 against the Ravens

Slow the Baltimore Ravens rushing attack.

This is like suggesting a train should tackle Superman. Sure, you think because it’s a train, that it can just run through anyone. Then hits the train and it’s the train that topples over. That was basically the Baltimore Ravens rushing attack last year, and while the offensive line has questions in 2020 (like who can replace future HOF candidate Marshal Yanda?), the backfield got even more talented in the 2020 offseason.

The Ravens do have to replace two key parts of their interior line and that may negate any improvements the offense had in the offseason. If their offensive line is back up to snuff, so to speak, then they could be even better in 2020 than they were in 2019. With Lamar Jackson and Mark Ingram leading the way, the team brought in former Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins, whose versatility is going to be hard to deal with.

That’s a three-headed running back beast right there.

Normally this would worry most people, especially with how unimpressive the Browns defensive line was in 2019. Yet, the Ravens offensive line might just be vulnerable. Starting center Matt Skura is coming off of major knee surgery and starting right guard D.J. Fluker is a journeyman, spot-starter, who can’t stay healthy. Applying pressure to the A and B gaps on the right side may just see the line crumble in on itself.

It might also see Shelton Richardson get blown up, because, what else is new?

Ideally, if the defense can apply pressure on that part of the line and it crumbles, then you’ll be able to get cheeky with the play calling and possibly even start stunting on the defensive line. That means the Ravens will try to run outside and then it’s up to the ends and linebackers to do their jobs.

Granted, if the Browns defense is as bad as it looks on paper, then this is all a moot point.