What to watch for Browns vs. Ravens on TNF

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What to watch for: Browns vs. Ravens on 'TNF' Published: Nov 09, 2016 at 04:38 AM Around The NFL Podcast Co-Host When Art Modell moved the to Baltimore more than two decades ago, the shift created a natural, bloodthirsty rivalry between the and the "new" Cleveland expansion team that launched in 1999. That rivalry, however, has never taken off. The have forged just two winning seasons since their return to the league, while the have won two Super Bowls and operated as one of the NFL's most dominant and consistent franchises. Along the way, Baltimore has blasted the in 15 of their last 17 meetings. Sitting at 4-4 -- in the thick of the AFC North race -- Baltimore now prepares to host a winle s squad riddled with flaws. Does Cleveland have a shot at crafting their first victory of the year in a big spot on Thursday Night Football (airing exclusively on NFL Network)? Let's explore this rich terrain, shall we? Here's the case for Cleveland: For all their deadly shortcomings, the team has a rash of playmakers on offense. It begins with , the quarterback-turned-wideout who leads the club in targets (82), catches (46), receiving Drew Stafford Men Jersey yards (579) and touchdowns (4). Using his ma sive 6-foot-4, 223-pound frame, Pryor has won matchups weekly against opposing No. 1 cornerbacks and remains a favorite target of rookie quarterback . With first-round receiver back in the mix alongside tight end and pa s-catching runner , Cleveland doesn't lack for weapons. Scoring consistently and finishing games, though, has been a season-long i sue for coach Hue Jackson's roster. Asked what might change this week, Jackson acknowledged that Ke sler -- impre sively accurate on short and midrange lobs -- needs to take chances downfield, where Pro Football Focus has him ranked 31st out of 33 quarterbacks on throws of 20-plus yards. Jackson asked this week, per The Plain Dealer. "Yes, I do." It's unfathomable to talk up Cleveland's offense, though, without noting that Baltimore is coming off a game in which they held and friends to just 14 points in a pivotal win over Pittsburgh. While not the Graeme Clarke Women Jersey juggernaut of old, the boast a rugged defense that rolls into Thursday ranked ninth in points per game and second in total yards, rushing yards allowed and third-down percentage. The secondary has allowed just one 300-yard pa ser all season and field generals have learned to monitor defensive end , who leads the team in tackles for lo s and quarterback hits while sitting second in sacks. His pairing with big-bodied interior lineman could equal total destruction for Cleveland's fizzled-up ground game, which has cro sed the 70-yard barrier just once since Week 5. The want to establish the run, but Baltimore has been a me s on the ground since hiring Marty Mornhinweg to replace fired offensive play-caller Marc Trestman prior to Week 6. After notching 99 rushing yards per game under Trestman, the are managing a measly 53 yards per tilt under Mornhinweg. Only the have leaned more heavily on the pa s. That dynamic has not helped quarterback , currently one of just four quarterbacks -- along with , and -- with more picks than touchdowns on the year. After throwing 40-plus pa ses in a six consecutive games, Flacco settled down for a season-low 30 attempts against the . Still, Baltimore's 29 rushes against Pittsburgh netted just 50 yards at a ghastly 1.7 yards per tote. While the have i sues with offensive balance, runners and have a legitimate shot to feast against a young and shorthanded defense allowing a ridiculous 146.4 yards per game on the ground -- second worst to only the floating . Cleveland is equally troubled through the air, with a secondary that ranks 28th in the NFL. Stats aside, the have operated as one of the ugliest tackling teams league-wide, allowing deadly real estate after contact on a weekly basis. Coming off a monstrous four-catch, 124-yard tilt against Pittsburgh, deep threat matches up well against a defense absent of reliable safety play. We'll be watching to see if newly acquired linebacker can lift a Cleveland pa s rush that has struggled to make any impact this season. Looking for a potential fantasy star? After watching tight end burn the for 134 yards and a score off eight catches, the will do their best to get involved early and often against a defense that has struggled against tight ends all season. If that script plays out, Cleveland could be in for another long week of football. This article Will Butcher Kids Jersey has been reproduced in a new format and may be mi sing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an i sue.
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