As the Browns look to rebound after a difficult loss at the hands of the New York Jets, the team will prepare for another divisional clash as the Baltimore Ravens come to Cleveland. Like the Browns, the Ravens also underwent a coaching change this past offseason.
It’s the first meeting between the two teams, with the winner having sole possession of 1st place in the AFC North.
New Year, New Harbaugh disciple
It’s well documented that the Baltimore Ravens originally wanted current Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald as their
head coach. Macdonald left the Ravens to be the Seahawks’ new head coach, and if he stayed he would’ve been next in line after John Harbaugh. It didn’t happen, but the Ravens decided to settle for Jesse Minter.
Minter, who was on the Michigan Wolverines football staff with current Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, was the defensive coordinator for the Chargers last season. Minter going from the Chargers to the Ravens felt predictable, but it’s clear why Baltimore coveted him. Minter has put together an impressive staff, with offensive coordinator Declan Doyle evolving into a future head coaching candidate with how Baltimore’s offense has looked this season.
Ravens offense could be better than last season’s
One of the biggest improvements for the Ravens from last season is their offense. Current Browns head coach Todd Monken was able to improve the Ravens’ offense during his tenure, but this year’s looks more potent.
Doyle, who was previously with the Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson, deserves credit. Having an MVP-level quarterback in Lamar Jackson helps. The tandem of Jackson and running back Derrick Henry is one of the best QB/RB tandems in the league.
This is an offense that can generate explosive plays early and often. Wide receiver Zay Flowers is starting to emerge, and rookie tight end Matthew Hibner is becoming a reliable target in the passing game.
Despite an offensive line that’s unsettled in the interior, this is still one of the top offenses in the league.
Baltimore is better than last year, dangerous down the stretch
The only loss the Ravens had this year was to the New Orleans Saints, a game that Baltimore gave away. Outside of that, this team is better than last year’s team. The defense has some concerns but it’s still a unit that is talented.
It seems as if Minter has tapped something into this team that Harbaugh couldn’t do the last two years. In close matchups in previous years, the Ravens would find ways to lose those games, but with wins over the Dallas Cowboys in Brazil and recently with an overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons (minus Lamar Jackson), this team seems to have gotten over their close-game woes.
Baltimore is expected to get healthy, and if they do, this team will be primed for a deep playoff run in a wide-open AFC.
What are your thoughts on the Ravens heading into Week 6 versus the Browns?
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
- New, improved notifications system!
Download the SB Nation app on iOS or Android.
