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Game-day details
Sun., 1 p.m. ET, M&T Bank Stadium
Weather forecast from AccuWeather.com:
Partly sunny. High: 71. Low: 56.
Why To Watch
Who would have believed that the Browns would enter Week 6 ahead of the Ravens in the AFC North?
To make matters worse, the Browns' surprising start is primarily because of the play of two former Ravens. Trent Dilfer was the quarterback of the Ravens' 2000 Super Bowl team and has led the Browns' conservative but effective offense this year. On defense, cornerback Gary Baxter emerged last year in Baltimore and now is the Browns' best defensive back and the anchor of coach Romeo Crennel's defensive scheme. Expect both Baltimore castoffs to play with an extra chip on their shoulder Sunday.
The Ravens have a star-studded defense but a zero-star offensive attack. Backup quarterback Anthony Wright has been awful since starter-by-default Kyle Boller got hurt, rendering elite running back Jamal Lewis harmless.
The Ravens were penalized 21 times --one shy of the NFL record -- in a 35-17 loss to Detroit and had two defenders (Terrell Suggs and B.J. Ward) ejected. The Ravens -- especially team leaders Ray Lewis and Ed Reed -- lost control of their emotions. They threw tantrums, helmets and footballs as they lost control on a day when calls went against them from start to finish. Baltimore must maintain its composure and play more disciplined because there is not talented enough on offense to overcome such mistakes.
Browns Keys For Success
1. Find wide receiver Dennis Northcutt on third down. The Browns have struggled on third down, converting on only 18-of-48 opportunities this season. Northcutt, who has led the Browns in third-down receptions the past few years, has had the ball thrown his way three times on third down. Heck, he has only 11 catches in four games. Dilfer must stop checking down to safe routes and give Northcutt a chance outside.
2. Throw downfield. The Ravens will focus their defensive plan around stopping the Browns' running game and short passing game. The downfield receivers often will face man-to-man coverage because Baltimore defensive coordinator Rex Ryan is comfortable with cornerbacks Samari Rolle and Chris McAlister. Dilfer must identify these situations abd hit Antonio Bryant or Northcutt downfield. Dilfer must take shots downfield because it will be tough to sustain long drives against the Baltimore defense.
3. Stack the box. After watching film of the Ravens, the Browns' coaches will know they have little reason to honor Baltimore's passing game. So, the Browns will attack the line with eight and nine defenders and dare Wright to throw. If successful in shutting down the run, Crennel then can play with Wright's head by showing him multiple fronts and coverages.
Ravens Keys For Success
1. Make the Browns run outside. Browns offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon wants to establish a power running game between the tackles. Baltimore defensive tackles Kelly Gregg and Maake Kemoeatu have been unmovable. They want to get penetration up the middle and force Cleveland's Reuben Droughns to run east and west.
2. Limit giveaways. With no viable alternative to Wright, Ravens coach Brian Billick has become ultra conservative. He wants a bruising running game, a safe passing game and an aggressive defense to win the game; Billick used a similar plan with Dilfer in 2000. Wright was asked to throw 37 passes Sunday against Detroit and was intercepted twice.
3. Stop the short passes. The Browns love short, safe, high-percentage passes to wide receivers and tight ends. Ryan should counter by getting a safety in the box to clog up the middle of the field, making these passes difficult to complete.
Injuries at a glance
Browns injuries
10/11/05 Braylon Edwards WR Elbow infection Looking doubtful for Week 6
Ravens injuries
10/9/05 Derrick Mason WR Shoulder stinger Should be OK for Week 6
10/10/05 Anthony Weaver DE Toe Likely out till at least Week 9
10/4/05 Kyle Boller QB Toe Out until at least 10/16
The Bottom Line
This will be a low-scoring, grind-it-out game with little firepower. Both defenses will frustrate the quarterbacks, making special teams and field position crucial. The Browns' offense is better than the Ravens', so they should have better field position for most for the game.
Pick: Browns 13, Ravens 9
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Browns vs Ravens
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