Another week, another divisional matchup. The NFL debuted their “Rivalries” uniform series earlier this year but the AFC North will have to wait until 2028 to get its uniforms. Considering how the Cleveland Browns are playing their second straight divisional matchup this year, the uniforms would definitely be warranted.
The Browns are traveling to Baltimore for the Ravens’ home opener this Sunday as they will look to steal one on the road. Kickoff is at 1:00 PM. After opening on FOX (similar to last
season), the team is back on CBS. Tom McCarthy & Ross Tucker will be on the call.
Here are the three things we will be watching:
How will K Andre Szmyt look after a rough debut?
Safe to say Browns K Andre Szmyt’s debut went about as poorly as one could imagine. After a successful stint in the UFL with the St Louis Battlehawks, he bounced around, being on the practice squad to being cut before being brought back. Szmyt was in a kicking competition with former Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins and he won the job after a successful preseason.
Opening week happened, and everything went south. After making his first field goal, he then followed up with missing an extra point and a 36-yard field goal. Of course, those missed kicks played a difference in the Browns coming away with a win. The team didn’t bring in another kicker to compete with Szmyt and head coach Kevin Stefanski said the team is riding with the young kicker.
Some will be angered by the Browns not bringing in another kicker, but the team is showing patience and giving Szmyt a chance to redeem himself.
Ravens OLine vs Browns DLine
If either team wants to come away with a victory, the battle will be dictated along the trenches. The Ravens’ offensive line will face a more stiff test when they go up against a stout Browns defensive line that could be getting defensive tackle Mike Hall back this week. The Ravens were able to generate yards on the ground as well as generate explosive plays in the running game with RB Derrick Henry and QB Lamar Jackson and the passing game in giving Jackson enough time to make plays down the field.
Baltimore’s only concern along the offensive line should be the right side and it should be a side Cleveland is looking to exploit. Expect defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz to dial up stunts and blitzes on that side specifically.
Which team doesn’t make costly mistakes?
It’s safe to say that the Browns and the Ravens should be going into this game with the potential to go 2-0. Both teams played well enough to win their respective games, but couldn’t finish the job. For the Browns, had the kicker made the kicks he was supposed to make and the wide receivers don’t have costly drops, the team obviously wins a game in which they dominated.
As for the Ravens? The team just lost due to a lack of focus and complacency. The only team stopping the Ravens is the Ravens. At this point, it’s a mental hurdle for this team to overcome, as they often can’t finish the job whenever they are applying pressure.
Both teams are going to be seething and wanting to go out there to get a win to help get back on track. It’s the AFC North, so expect a high amount of physicality and intense play.
