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The Beat with Aaron Wilson - RAVENS SCOUTING REPORT: WHO HAS THE EDGE IN TODAY'S GAME?

As if you had to ask....Photos by Sabina Moran

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Posted On: 12/17/06

Written By:  

Aaron Wilson

 

WHO HAS THE EDGE? 

RAVENS OFFENSE 

Total (22) Rushing (27) Passing (15)

Quarterback

 

Steve McNair has emerged as an accurate, mistake-free passer with no interceptions in his past four games and none in his past 142 throws, a personal-best for his 12-year career.

 

Running backs

 

Jamal Lewis has been sick this week, but that should only affect his voice because of a sore throat, not his legs. He has gained more yards against the Browns than any other team and looks to continue that trend today.

 

Receivers

 

Between Derrick Mason (59 catches), Todd Heap (59) and Mark Clayton (57), the Ravens have at least two receivers with 50 or more catches for the first time since 1997 when Michael Jackson (69) and Derrick Alexander (65) led Baltimore. Mason and Clayton are on pace for 73 and 73 catches, which would set a franchise record for a receiving duo.

 

Offensive line

 

The blockers haven't allowed a sack in three contests and are on pace to shatter the franchise record for the season with just 16 allowed so far. They need to open up more room for Jamal Lewis to run, though.

 

RAVENS DEFENSE

Total (1) Rushing (2) Passing (6)

 

Defensive line

 

Pro Bowl voting will be released Tuesday. Will Trevor Pryce, Kelly Gregg and Terrell Suggs win the balloting? With his gritty approach, Gregg is a sentimental choice in the Ravens' locker room.

 

Linebackers

 

The Ravens' front office will have a tough decision to make on linebacker Adalius Thomas in the offseason when he becomes an unrestricted free agent and could command a bidding war. Thomas, Ray Lewis and Bart Scott are strong Pro Bowl candidates.

 

Secondary

 

Ed Reed finally played the defense the way it's drawn up and he was rewarded with two interceptions. Chris McAlister and Reed are likely to garner Pro Bowl consideration.

 

RAVENS SPECIAL TEAMS

 

Kicker Matt Stover has had a Pro Bowl season with 21 of 23 accuracy. Gary Stills might make it as a special-teams ace. Cory Ross struggled in his NFL debut as a return specialist, and will need to play much better during this stretch run.

 

BROWNS OFFENSE

Total (29) Rushing (30) Passing (21)

 

Quarterback

 

Ravens castoff Derek Anderson has size, arm strength and decent accuracy. He just lacks experience and mobility, two shortcomings that could cost his team dearly today.

 

Running backs

 

What running game? They gained 18 yards last week on 11 carries. Reuben Droughns had five yards on six carries. That's absolutely pathetic.

 

Receivers

 

Tight end Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards have combined for 121 catches, 1,457 yards and eight touchdown catches. The formidable tandem comprises one of the top young receiving duos in the NFL. Joe Jurevicius is a solid possession receiver.

 

Offensive line

 

They have been decimated by injuries and personal problems, losing center LeCharles Bentley on the first day of practice and tackle Ryan Tucker to an undisclosed mental illness. They have allowed 44 sacks, and it could get ugly today.

 

BROWNS DEFENSE
Total (30) Rushing (30) Passing (15)

 

Defensive line

 

A fairly nondescriptgroup is hurting with massive nose guard Ted Washington banged-up. They don't have the personnel upfront to run coach Romeo Crennel's Patriots-inspired 3-4 scheme.

 

Linebackers

 

Andra Davis makes far too many tackles downfield. Former University of Maryland star D'Qwell Jackson is out for the year. Kamerion Wimbley is the rising star of this defense. Willie McGinest is on the downside of his career.

 

Secondary

 

Safeties Sean Jones and Brodney Pool have emerged as competent starters. Leigh Bodden is a promising cornerback, but Daven Holly can be picked on. Former Ravens starter Gary Baxter's career is in danger with two torn patellar tendons.

 

BROWNS SPECIAL TEAMS

 

Phil Dawson remains a reliable kicker. Return man Josh Cribbs is averaging 25.6 yards on kickoffs with Dennis Northcutt averaging 11.6 yards on punts. Former Ravens punter Dave Zastudil is averaging 43.9 yards, including a long of 61.

 

EDGES: Quarterback: Ravens; Running back: Ravens; Receivers: Ravens; Offensive line: Ravens; Defensive line: Ravens; Linebackers; Ravens; Secondary: Ravens; Special teams: Even.

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Enlarge Text Decrease Text Print this Article send this article to a friend Add This bookmark facebook twitter rss

Posted On: 12/17/06

Written By:  

Aaron Wilson