CLEVELAND -- Five keys, issues and areas to watch in Sunday's Cleveland Browns - Baltimore Ravens game at First Energy Stadium. Both teams are 1-1.
1. The Browns are developing something on offense with a straight-ahead running game, a little bit of no-huddle for a spark and a safe passing game that's been good enough when it's been needed the most. The Ravens are a top-10 defense against the run at this early point of the season and in a stat that really matters have given up just one touchdown all season. The Browns are surprising just about everyone averaging 26.5 points per game thus far but this one shapes up as first to 17 or 20 wins -- and it could be even lower scoring than that, especially if there's rain and wind. Both teams run similar zone-blocking schemes to get the run going and it will be interesting to see if that familiarity gives defenses and early edge. The Ravens have held division opponents to 20 points or fewer an impressive 29 times under John Harbaugh.
2. The Ravens still want to pass to set up the run, though they've gotten good production out of veteran back Justin Forsett. Joe Flacco has weapons in Steve Smith, Torrey Smith and Dennis Pitta, and the Browns know they can't give up big plays if they want to win this game. Flacco will find rookie Browns cornerback Justin Gilbert and make him prove himself. Steve Smith has been the go-to guy thus far and it will be interesting to see how the Browns use Haden, Gilbert and Buster Skrine. A pass rush would help, and former Raven Paul Kruger is off to a great start with 2 sacks in two games.
3. The Browns are hoping Jordan Cameron can play. The Ravens are the only team in the league with two tight ends who have at least 9 catches at this early point of the season in Pitta and Owen Daniels, who had 2 touchdown catches against the Steelers. Pitta was out most of last season and Flacco certainly missed him. The Ravens will keep the Browns linebackers and safeties busy if the tight ends get going early. Middle linebacker Karlos Dansby has been probably the Browns best player thus far and will need another big game Sunday.
4. When you hear about "distractions," that's usually code for "excuses." And though the Ravens played their A game in the wake of the Ray Rice release last week, there's a whole new mess facing the team this week in the wake of a report that the team higher-ups knew more about Rice than they let on. It's the Ravens first road game, a third straight division game and the environment will not be friendly. On the other side is a Browns team that celebrated last week's win like it was the Super Bowl -- and it was hard to blame them. There are always things hovering or floating that affect preparation and mindset. The bottom line remains the team that plays the best, limits mistakes and wins the turnover battle will have a chance to win. And the answering of other questions can resume on Monday.
5. Both teams have positive turnover margins, good offensive numbers and momentum after last week. If the Browns can get Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell going in the running game, Brian Hoyer is good enough to keep the Ravens on their heels. The Ravens want to stop the run and put Hoyer into must-pass situations, bringing Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil off the edge. If the Browns defense gives up big plays, it could be a long day. The Ravens might go as Steve and Torrey Smith go. For the Browns, another solid defensive start could ignite a crowd that was wild last week and could be a factor again if the home team obliges.
