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Crystal Ball - BATTLE PLANS: RAVENS V. BROWNS

Photo by Sabina Moran
Posted On: 9/22/06
Written By:  
Dev Panchwagh
BATTLE PLANS: RAVENS V. BROWNS
Offense
 
1.             Picking up the blitz: Although the Browns line up in a primary base 3-4 set, their defense morphs in and out of different formations before and after the ball is snapped. The Browns try to use their four linebackers in various ways to provide an effective pass rush. On one play, two linebackers could be lined up to overload the strong side. On another place, the outside backers could run a twist blitz and come up the middle. With many different possibilities of attack anticipated, the Ravens’ linemen need to be on the same page when it comes to changing protection schemes and picking up pass rushers. The Ravens predominately line up in a run first time offense anyway, so having enough extra blockers to protect Steve McNair should not be an issue. However, it will be important that center Mike Flynn and McNair are able to communicate properly about the protection changes at the line-of-scrimmage.
 
2.            Attacking the outside backers: One way to slow down the Browns’ pass rush, especially the linebackers, is to keep them active in pass coverage. The Ravens can use a number of dink and dunk passes to force the backers to defend outlet receivers. To that extent, getting Daniel Wilcox and the running backs involved is important. Using Todd Heap in the intermediate area is another way to force the Browns to defend the pass. If the Brown linebackers are forced to drop back more than they attack up field that could also open up some gaps for Jamal Lewis to run through.
 
Defense
 
1.             Packing the box: With Cleveland’s passing game depleted due to injuries and ineffectiveness, the Browns will look to establish Reuben Droughns early and often. Droughns is a strong, powerful runner who breaks tackles and pushes the pile. He is not extremely fast or quick, but he can break long gains. In addition, Droughns has the ability to make plays as a receiver out of the backfield. Much like the Ravens emphasized stopping Lamont Jordan and forcing the Raiders’ passing game to defeat them, they will need to use the same strategy against Droughns and the Browns. Taking away Droughns on first and second down will put the Browns in more obvious passing situations, and that’s exactly what the Ravens want.
 
2.            Forcing Frye’s hand: Although Charlie Frye has shown some flashes that he can be a competent quarterback in the NFL, he has yet to establish himself as a reliable signal caller. Part of the problem is that Frye has few weapons around him. In addition, the line play for the Browns has not been consistent. Overall, Frye has the capability to make some plays in the passing game, especially on the run. To that end, the Ravens need to make sure that Frye does not make those plays. He should be forced to operate out of the pocket, and it will be important that the Ravens defensive tackles push the middle of the pocket so Frye does not have the ability to step up while the pocket collapses around him. In addition, the Ravens should give Frye as many multiple looks as they can so he has to think before releasing the ball to a certain location.
 
3.            Taking away Winslow: Because the Browns’ receiving core is weak due to injuries, Kellen Winslow has picked up the slack. Winslow is a talented pass-catching tight-end who can gain yards after contact. He also possesses good speed. There is little doubt that Frye will look to Winslow to make plays for the Browns in the middle of the field, even if Winslow is double covered. The Ravens linebackers should be on top of Winslow, and force Frye to turn to his receivers on the outside. Not only does Winslow need to be taken out of the offense because he is such a dangerous player, but by doing so, Frye will have to complete passes down the field and that’s not his strength. He is a better passer in the intermediate area.
 
One-on-One Match-up to Watch: Jamal Lewis versus Andra Davis: These two clearly have a history. Davis and Lewis have battled since the SEC days when Lewis lined up for Tennessee and Davis lined up for Florida. Since then, Lewis proclaimed to Davis that he would rush for over 200 yards against the Browns nearly four years ago, and he fulfilled his prediction. While no such words will come out Lewis’ mouth this week, this is still going to be an interesting battle around the trench area, especially if Lewis and Davis meet head on.

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Posted On: 9/22/06
Written By:  
Dev Panchwagh

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