It’s that time of year when we talk about complex playoff scenarios and which players aren’t too banged up to play in their team’s games. The former is what the Ravens are circling.
For Baltimore it’s a very simple scenario, win and they’re in the playoffs. If they lose, it will further cloud the playoff picture and put a shot at the AFC North title and a bye out of reach.
Sunday afternoon’s game against the Browns, in Cleveland, will have a lot of meaning for the Ravens. On the positive side, Baltimore played their best game of the season last Sunday against the Saints. The defense was aggressive and kept pressure on the quarterback. If they are able to do that against the Browns, it could be a very long day for the Cleveland offense.
On offense, the Ravens did just enough last Sunday and will probably do the same this week. Joe Flacco hasn’t lost to the Browns since breaking in to the league in 2008. He is looking to move his record to 6-0 against the Browns. In their first meeting, back in September, Flacco threw three touchdown passes, all to receiver Anquan Boldin, against the Browns en route to a 24-17 victory. He hopes to duplicate that performance.
However, with the weather reports not looking promising, Flacco may not be much of a factor. The biggest difference in the game could be running back Ray Rice. Rice torched the Saints defense for 153 rushing yards and 233 total yards. It has taken all season, but the running game seems to have appeared at just the right for the Ravens.
Cleveland moved the ball on the Ravens defense last time, mostly on the legs of Peyton Hillis. Hillis rampaged through the Baltimore defense for 144 yards. He has worn down as the year has gone and is battling a knee injury, but expects to play.
The biggest change in the Browns offense is a change in quarterback. In September, Baltimore faced Seneca Wallace, but this time around, they will face rookie quarterback Colt McCoy. McCoy has played well beating New Orleans and New England earlier this season.
He won’t be able to do beat another playoff contender Sunday and the Ravens clinch a playoff berth for a third consecutive season 21-10.
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