Predicting the three stars of Sunday’s Ravens-Browns game
Through two weeks, the Ravens passing game has centered around wide receiver Steve Smith and the tight ends, with Smith, Dennis Pitta, and Owen Daniels combining for 53 of the Ravens’ 91 pass targets (nearly 60 percent). Smith has been a revelation and will likely continue to be so, especially if Cleveland’s star cornerback, Joe Haden, lines up against Torrey Smith.
Daniels was the primary red zone target last Thursday against Pittsburgh, but expect that to change. I think Pitta leads the team in both catches and touchdowns as quarterback Joe Flacco continues to get into a rhythm and works the underneath passing game as offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak wants him to.
The Browns held Steelers tight end Heath Miller to three catches for 26 yards in Week 1, but Saints tight end Jimmy Graham ripped the Cleveland defense for 10 catches for 118 yards and a pair of scores last week. Sure, Graham is the best tight end on the planet, but he may have exposed a weakness for the Ravens to take advantage of.
The Ravens have basically lived in two-tight end sets through the first two weeks, which for most teams would be a run formation. The Ravens are more than willing to throw out of it, though, and if the Browns don’t have a linebacker that can run with and cover Pitta, he’s a prime candidate to lead the offense. (Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore Sun)
Baltimore Sun
Some sports name three stars of the game after the game. Jon Meoli does one better, naming them before the Ravens even play. These will be the three stars of the game when the Ravens (1-1) travel to Cleveland for a third straight AFC North matchup against the 1-1 Browns.
The Browns’ determination to run the ball, and the Ravens thin defensive line, will put a spotlight on Mosley, the Ravens’ first-round pick this year, and veteran inside linebacker Daryl Smith. West and Crowell will likely attack the inside of the Ravens’ line, and if they get through the first level, the ability of Smith and Mosley to bring the backs down will likely determine the outcome of the game.
Through his first two games, Mosley has been the Ravens’ second-leading tackler with 15, behind only Smith. His run defense was particularly strong against the Steelers, and he also recovered a fumble last week. I think Mosley doubles that turnover number and plays a role in two turnovers against the Browns -- an interception and another fumble recovery.
This is going to be a low-scoring game, and Mosley is going to help the Ravens win the turnover battle and give them a chance to win. His stats will earn him a spot on the proverbial podium, but they will be in vain if Crowell goes off like I think he will. (Lloyd Fox / Baltimore Sun)
