Tyler Huntley will make his second straight start Sunday as the Ravens visit Deshaun Watson and the Browns, turning Baltimore’s first AFC North game into a test of whether its backup quarterback can deliver another road win. Lamar Jackson was ruled out Friday with an ankle injury. Huntley takes over after helping Baltimore beat Atlanta 30-23 in overtime, while Watson is trying to rebound from a loss to the Jets in which he was sacked eight times.
Huntley’s season totals include relief work and one start
Huntley has completed 32 of 41 passes for 264 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions this season. That includes his relief appearance against Tennessee and his start in Atlanta. Against the Falcons alone, he completed 24 of 32 passes for 201
yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. His overtime rushing touchdown put Baltimore ahead for good.
In five games this season, Watson has 95 completions on 148 attempts for 1,010 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions.
Huntley’s efficiency is encouraging, but Baltimore needs him to keep making productive decisions without making every possession an explosive play.
Huntley’s best route is keeping the offense manageable
Baltimore can support Huntley with Derrick Henry and Justice Hill, use play action, and give him opportunities to move the pocket. His Atlanta start demonstrated that the offense can handle different situations with him. Huntley helped direct the late touchdown drive that forced overtime, then led a longer possession that ended with his rushing score.
Cleveland’s defense presents a fresh challenge. Declan Doyle has identified its heavy use of man coverage, which puts a premium on receivers winning their routes and Huntley knowing when to deliver the ball or use his mobility.
Watson’s bigger workload comes with more pressure
Watson has generated more downfield production, but his protection has repeatedly broken down. His 19 sacks include the eight against the Jets, when he completed 15 of 33 passes for 155 yards and one touchdown.
That game gives Baltimore a clear objective: force difficult passing situations and finish the rush. Trey Hendrickson’s expected return helps, but the Ravens must also contain Watson when he escapes.
Watson has rushed for 167 yards this season. His movement can extend drives even when the first passing option is covered, making coordinated pressure and sustained coverage important for Anthony Weaver’s defense. Baltimore enters at 4-1, one game ahead of the 3-2 Browns. Huntley gives the Ravens a recent example of efficient, winning quarterback play. Watson gives Cleveland a more experienced starter with a larger passing workload, but one who needs a better answer for pressure. The matchup turns on which offense can give its quarterback more manageable situations.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Tyler Huntley vs. Deshaun Watson: Breaking down the Week 6 QB battle
