The Cleveland Browns and their 3-5 record come back home to First Energy Stadium this week. The orange-and-brown get back to divisional play and host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Since we already scouted the Ravens earlier this season, let’s go back and analyze the first meeting.
On September 15th 2013, the Browns lost 14-6 at M&T Bank Stadium. Quarterback, Brandon Weeden had a poor showing on offense by failing to find the end zone and never gave the Browns a chance to win. That was over six weeks ago.
With a new veteran presence and poise in the pocket, the Browns can beat those pesky Ravens that originated from the shores of Lake Erie. In the first contest, Campbell actually played in the fourth quarter when Weeden was taken out because of a hand injury. Campbell was not good in his four passing attempts, but was also backed against the goal line.
So, what can be taken from the first game and applied to the upcoming one this weekend? We need to know all the key details. Here is a quick summary.
* Browns scored first 6 points of game
* Weeden was sacked 5 times
* Ravens kicker, Justin Tucker missed two field goals
* At one point, there were eight straight possession changes by punt
* Browns had 85 yards of total offense in second half and were shutout
* Ravens star running back, Ray Rice had limited production and was injured
* Browns were 4/15 in third down conversions
* After halftime, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco went 7/8 for 87 yards on third down
* Weeden left with a thumb injury on his throwing hand in the fourth quarter
* Browns quarterback, Jason Campbell takes over with 3:37 left at own 1 yard line
* Ravens beat the Browns 14-6 in ugly game
Now, eight games into the season, this Browns team is completely different. The reality is the Ravens would much rather see the immobile Weeden quarterbacking the Browns than Campbell.
At home in front of their passionate fans, this divisional game is an important one for the brown-and-orange. Going into the bye week, there is a huge difference between being 3-6 or 4-5. If Campbell can manage the contest and keep it close, this is a winnable game for the Browns.
Ryan Ruiz is the Cleveland Browns Beat Writer for The Inscriber: Digital Magazine. You can follow him on Facebook: Ryan (BrownsWriter) Ruiz and Twitter @ryanpruiz24. Ryan is also a Browns correspondent for The Sportsfix. Tune in every Friday at noon on www.thesportsfix.net. Email Ryan at [email protected]
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