STAFF PREDICTIONS FOR WEEK 17


       

WEEK 17	Quaz	Rick Johnson	Tommy Constantini
Broncos @ Chargers
Giants @ Raiders
Cards @ Colts
Ravens @ Browns
Bills @ Jets
Panthers @ Falcons
Bengals @ Chiefs
Lions @ Steelers
Dolphins @ Pats
Saints @ Bucs
Seahawks @ Packers
Texans @ 49ers
Titans @ Jags
Bears @ Vikings
Redskins @ Eagles
Rams @ Cowboys
Weekly Record	8-8	10-6	10-6
Seasonal Record	168-88	57-17	155-101
2004 Final Record	149-91	N/A	137-103

Offensive Keys:

1.) Gadgets and tricks: Under Romeo Crennel, the Browns run an attacking, blitz scheme out of the 3-4 alignment. While the Browns will make some plays in the backfield, they will also miss tackles by over pursuing and shooting into the wrong gaps. The Ravens should take advantage of the Browns’ aggressiveness by using reverses and change of direction plays to slow down Browns defenders or to get them to chase the wrong play on the wrong side of the field.

2.) Play-action on first down: Despite the running game being ineffective, it is still respected enough for defenses to bite on play-action fakes. In fact, much of the Ravens success in the passing game over the last two games has come off of play-action fakes. The line and Boller have done a nice job of selling the play fake. The Ravens would tend to have more success establishing the play-action passing game on first-down, which is a predominant running down.

Defensive Keys:

1.) Stuffing Droughns: The key to stopping Cleveland’s offense is force the Browns to use a one-dimensional offensive attack. Reuben Droughns has been a surprise for the Browns and without his rushing ability to lean on, Cleveland’s offense would be in more disarray than it currently is in. Droughns is a tough runner with deceptive speed. The Ravens must limit his yards gained on first and second down, forcing the Browns to pass the ball in third-and-long conversion situations.

2.) Confusing Frye: Charlie Frye may turn into a capable quarterback for the Browns, but as of now he has his work cut out for him. Aside from a sloppy first-half against Minnesota, the Ravens have been playing well on defense over the last three games. Defensive coordinator Rex Ryan will use different formations and packages to blur Frye’s presnap read.

One-on-one Match-up to Watch: Steve Heiden versus Adalius Thomas