Inspiring Deshaun Watson to be explosive and two more ways the Browns can prevent the Ravens recurrence

admin | November 10, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

On Sunday, the Browns will travel to Baltimore to play the Ravens in a pivotal AFC North match. The Ravens defeated the Browns 28-3 in week four thanks to their dominance.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a rookie quarterback, started in the NFL but had a difficult time against the Baltimore defense. He only managed 121 yards passing, threw three interceptions, was sacked four times, and, like most rookies, found it difficult to adjust to the quick pace of an NFL game. In addition, the Browns were attempting to reestablish their run game following the loss of Nick Chubb a few weeks prior.

It was also the first time the Browns defense was put to the test, and contrary to popular belief, it was not dominated. For the first time, Jim Schwartz’s team—which gave up two lengthy touchdown drives of 93 and 74 yards—saw some success from an opponent attack.

Although the defense allowed 28 points, 14 of those scores came from quick drives of 10 and 38 yards as a result of offensive mistakes. The Browns need to play complementing football in order to succeed. Special teams, offense, and defense must look out for one another and not put one another in danger.

How can the Browns avoid a repeat performance on Sunday? Here are three keys to winning the rematch with the Ravens:

1. Vertical passing game

Deshaun Watson completed 46 of 63 passes for 508 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions against the Titans and Cardinals. So many doubts regarding his damaged right shoulder were answered by his ability to absorb a blow and still throw the football high.

The Browns need to produce some spectacular vertical throw plays if they are to defeat the Ravens. In order to complement David Njoku and Amari Cooper, Kevin Stefanski needs to make touches in space for Elijah Moore, Marquise Goodwin, and Cedric Tillman now that Watson appears to be healthy. With the strength of the Ravens defense, it is very unrealistic to move the ball regularly 60, 70, or 80 yards or more, which is why explosive plays are so vital.

Watson knows that Budda Baker is not blitzing and must cover that half of the field because safety Jalen Thompson is outside the other hash. Both Watson and Cooper understand that Baker will be unable to get all the way back to cover his area. Cooper will widen corner Antonio Hamilton to create more separation up the seam. Watson will deliver a perfect football for a 49-yard gain.

2. Making Jackson hand off the football

In the majority of the Ravens’ run tactics, Jackson will frequently read the defensive end on the backside. He maintains the ball if the defensive end goes down without moving. The end will pass the ball to the running back if he stays on the field or moves up. Jackson is still the biggest threat, and the Browns need to compel him to give up the ball and take a chance, despite how outstanding Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, and Keaton Mitchell have been this season.

The offensive line will block zone to its left. When defensive end Darrell Taylor goes too far inside, Jackson will pull the football, with fullback Patrick Ricard and receiver Nelson Agholor out front as lead blockers. This play results in an easy 10 yards for Baltimore.

Clark waits openly for Jackson rather than going inside. Jackson is forced to hand the ball to Hill for a very little gain in order to avoid the Seahawks. For the Browns defense, taking the football away from Jackson is the best course of action.

3. Running a tight front on early downs

Todd Monken, the offensive coordinator for the Ravens, did a fantastic job of trapping, whamming, and kicking out the overly aggressive Browns front in the first game.

It is imperative that the defensive tackles improve their ability to tackle the offensive lineman that are in front of them. Getting physical shields the linebackers and stops defensive tackles from going too far up field. In order to occupy the offensive line and give the second level player room to run and make tackles, Schwartz will also switch up the front alignment from four-man to five-man.

The Browns are able to use three defensive tackles in the same play as a result. Additionally, it greatly hinders the offense’s ability to double team. The defensive line needs to get to the offensive line regardless of the front. This will prevent it from being whammed, kicked out, or trapped. Above all, it prevents the larger offensive linemen from colliding with the smaller Brown linebackers.

What we learned

To the relief of many, the Browns’ franchise quarterback took a bunch of big hits but still made some really good throws in last week’s win over the Cardinals. Football is the ultimate team sport, but the health and growth of Watson will ultimately decide the fate of this Browns football team.

This week against the Ravens, the Browns must force the football out of Jackson’s hands and control the line of scrimmage with their defensive line. Most importantly, Watson must outduel Jackson.