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Stopping Ravens' running backs is key for defense in effort to secure first victory
By George M. Thomas
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Saturday, Sep 20, 2008
BEREA: When the Browns take the field Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, they will be looking to slay a three-headed monster known as the Ravens' running game.
Led during the opening week — the Ravens had an unexpected bye last weekend courtesy of Hurricane Ike — by Le'Ron McClain (19 carries for 86 yards) and Ray Rice (22 carries for 64 yards), the Ravens this week expect a healthier Willis McGahee to join them.
Browns defensive coordinator Mel Tucker knows exactly what to expect.
''I anticipate that they are going to try to run the football,'' Tucker said. ''I think they are going to try to run it, get the quarterback in manageable third-down situations and try to convert. I think that's what we have to be ready for.''
Given that the Ravens opened the season by rushing for 229 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals, the fact they want to run the ball isn't unexpected. The Ravens got 12-of-20 first downs courtesy of the run and rushed on 25-of-32 first-down opportunities against the Bengals.
''They are very similar to our offense with the different formations, shifts, their core runs and passing concepts, but I think they are committed to running the ball,'' Tucker said. ''They show a lot of unbalanced sets. They ran unbalanced about 19 times last week, and that's quite a bit.
They're going to get the ball to guys who can make plays.''
What will present the Browns a challenge is the differences in the Ravens' backs. McGahee will be getting his first action of the season but will not start. He ran for 1,207 yards on 294 carries and seven touchdowns last season.
McClain, at 260 pounds, is a huge, bruising fullback the Ravens were expected to use on third-down, short-yardage situations. Rice, a rookie out of Rutgers, will get the ball, but will lose carries with McGahee's return.
''I'm expecting to see a healthy dose of all of them, actually,'' Browns nose tackle Shaun Rogers said. ''When you look at the league these days, most teams are definitely out there using two- and three-back systems just for durability issues and just for a change of pace.''
Rogers acknowledges the Browns are aware of Rice, but they know who they have to be on the watch for.
''Everyone knows McGahee is the home run hitter. Again, to me, that's just a change of pace. One guy is more steady and the other is a more explosive, big-play guy. So I look to see both of them.''
Tucker said to contain the Ravens' running game, the front seven needs to build the wall and ensure that there aren't any seams for the backs to run through.
Rogers agreed.
''You do your job and everything will fall into place. If you get to the line of scrimmage and get on your guy before he gets on you, then you have a better shot than they do,'' he said.
There's little doubt the Ravens' running game is getting attention this week. It should be noted, however, that huge chunks of those rushing yards came from two plays: a 42-yard double reverse to wide receiver Mark Clayton and a 38-yard scramble for a touchdown by rookie quarterback Joe Flacco.
Flacco is considered the wild card in the game, having performed admirably against the Bengals. The best way the Browns can see what he's really capable of is to neutralize his running game, forcing him to put his team on his shoulders.
He should expect several defensive looks from the Browns, Tucker said.
''I think you want to affect the quarterback, and there are many different ways you can do that,'' he said. ''You can do that with disguise, different looks, different fronts and pressure on first, second and third down. Those are things, typically, you want to do with young quarterbacks that haven't seen as much as some of the more experienced guys. You try to see what they can do under the pressure.''
Memories of Baltimore
Kicker Phil Dawson considers it a long time, but it was less than a year ago that the 33-30 overtime win in Baltimore put the kicker on a roll. Since that game, Dawson has been 12-of-13 on field goals, the lone miss coming on a blocked attempt against the San Francisco 49ers. Going into that game, the Browns found themselves with a 5-4 record and needing to regain some momentum coming off another disappointing loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
''We kind of find ourselves in the same position of needing a big victory, and hopefully winning a game this weekend will catapult us and we can get on a roll here,'' Dawson said.
Running back Jamal Lewis will return to his former stomping grounds for the second time since coming to the Browns. He said he doesn't allow that to affect him.
''It's cool. They're just another team that's in our way of what we're trying to do,'' he said. ''We just have to go out and execute and try to get it done and try to get a win.''
Injury report
Guard Ryan Tucker's status for Sunday's game is listed as probable, which means the guard likely will get his first action of the season. Safety Sean Jones (knee) and tight end Martin Rucker (knee) are out. Linebacker Kris Griffin is doubtful.
Wide receiver Braylon Edwards (shoulder), linebacker Willie McGinest (hamstring), wide receiver Donte' Stallworth (quadriceps) and guard Eric Steinbach (shoulder) are listed as questionable. Wide receiver/kick returner Josh Cribbs (shoulder), Lewis (ankle) and defensive tackle Shaun Smith (hand) are probable.
George M. Thomas can be reached at sportswriterabj@sbcglobal.net. Read his blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/sportsblitz/.
BEREA: When the Browns take the field Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, they will be looking to slay a three-headed monster known as the Ravens' running game.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Posted 02:49 PM, 09/20/2008
Don't be so down, Brown's fan's....You still will make it to the Toilet Bowl anyways, I am about to drop them off right now. I feel a mean Kellen Winslow II coming on. This so called "High Powered" offense sure is getting it done....16 points so far. Hopefully Sunday when the Cleveland Browns lose to the Baltimore Browns Romeo will be thinking Arby's again.
Posted 07:06 PM, 09/20/2008
I totally disagree. They have to stop the PASS! Do you not see teams throwing at will against the Browns? Ugh...I must be taking crazy pills or something...
Posted 09:57 AM, 09/21/2008
I totally disagree with your disagreement. They have to stop the RUN. Ravens are not going to turn the second game by a rookie QB into an aerial show, putting the ball up for interceptions. You're right about the pass D, though. Best chance for Browns is to play Quinn, and have Crennel stay in his hotel room.
Posted 10:54 AM, 09/21/2008
I SAY FIRE CRENNEL !!! ITS GONNA BE YRS. BEFORE WE MAY EVEN SEE A WINNING SEASON!!HE STINKS!
