Browns Offense against Baltimore Defense Preview

The Cleveland Browns offense will have their hands full on Sunday when they take the field. This Baltimore defense has been great, but there is reason for hope for the Cleveland Browns.

It's exam time for Cleveland, and this offense has yet to find its way in 2023. Baltimore is arguably playing as the best team in the NFL through their first nine games, and their 7-2 record is tied for second-best in the NFL behind the 8-1 Eagles.

Not only do they boast a potential MVP quarterback, but their defense has been nothing short of fantastic this year. They are second in the NFL in yards per game at 262.6 yards per game and first in scoring at 13.8 points per game. 

Oct 1, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) runs with the ball after a catch as Baltimore Ravens safety Geno Stone (26) defends during the first quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports  / Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

More importantly, in two of their last three games, they faced two top NFC offenses in the Lions and Seahawks. This unit held those teams to 6 and 3 points respectively. 

It is safe to say that the Browns will have their hands full on Sunday afternoon.

The engine of Baltimore's defense starts in the middle with linebackers Roquon Smith and Patrick Queen. The acquisition of Smith last year was such a huge move for the Ravens and they are reaping the benefits. 

On the backend, their quarterback of the secondary is second-year man Kyle Hamilton. The former Notre Dame standout is making his name known and will be a staple of this Baltimore defense for years to come. He is rangy, physical, can cover and defend the run. A tough opponent in the secondary.

His partner in the secondary, Geno Stone, is having a career year. He currently leads the NFL in interceptions with six on the year. He has had those six interceptions in his last nine games. Before that, he only had one theft in his career in his first 34 games.

Up front, the guy to look out for is defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, who leads the team with 7.5 sacks and also has notched one forced fumble.

Where's the reason for optimism against this defense? Well, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has come up with six really good game plans over his career against the Ravens. 

Aug 26, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski looks on during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports / © Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

In his seven games, his teams average 305 total yards against the Ravens. If you take out the one major outlier that was Week 4 of this season, he is averaging 328 total yards. 

Deshaun Watson enters Sunday with a 1-2 record against the Ravens in his career. He averages 66 percent completions, 201 yards per game and .7 touchdowns per game.

The Browns will need Stefanski to have his "A" game and Deshaun to play a clean, turnover-free game for the Browns will have a chance to win.