By @mrgroce
Another year another bad start. In typical O.I.C (only in Cleveland) fashion, the Cleveland Browns found another way to lose a football game. The NFL has "unofficially" stated that a mistake could have been made in calling a Browns' special teams player offsides in a game deciding penalty. I could go back and rehash last weeks debacle, but let's look to this Sunday's matchup versus the Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens and Browns both enter Sunday's contest with a 1-3 record, but seem to be going in different directions. Baltimore is coming off of what might be a season saving victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers while the Browns have lost two straight. The Ravens will be without veteran WR Steve Smith Sr., rookie WR Breshad Perriman who has yet to play, and WR Michael Campanaro will all be inactive Sunday. A depleted Ravens receiving corps against the Browns secondary might be the only edge the Browns will have.
Running back Justin Forsett is coming off of his best game this season (150 yards) averaged 6.5 yards a carry against the Browns last year. Slow down Forsett and the chances of winning increase tremendously, but you can't do that while being the last ranked defense in football. The Browns front seven has again been called out by coach Mike Pettine and I expect them to show up for the first time since the Titans game.
QB Josh McCown had his best game as a Brown last Sunday, but I'm not sure you can rely on him to consistently give you 300 yard passing games. The running game has improved with rookie Duke Johnson getting more added to his workload. The chemistry between McCown and the receiving corp seems to be coming together. I could go on and on about the Browns record against Joe Flacco, this weeks "controversy" surrounding cornerback Joe Haden, and the complete lack of productivity from Dwayne Bowe, but no thank you. If the Browns have any hope of salvaging the season they do everything in their power to pull this game out. I'll try to remain positive and do something that I didn't think I'd do again this year and that is to pick the Browns to win Sunday, 17-14.
What: Cleveland Browns vs Baltimore Ravens
When: Sunday Oct.11 1:00 PM
Where: M&T Bank Stadium Baltimore, Maryland
TV/Radio: CBS, WKNR 850 Cleveland, WKRK 92.3 The Fan, WNCX 98.5
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