While the Ravens blew out the Browns, 41-17, in Week 2, Baltimore's rushing attack ran into a brick wall.
The Browns' stout defensive front held the Ravens to just 45 yards on 21 carries in their first meeting. Derrick Henry had 11 carries for 23 yards – his lowest rushing output as a Raven.
As the two teams prepare for another slugfest this Sunday, the Ravens don't want to run into another headwind on the shores of Lake Erie.
"We saw last game. They got the best of us. They were the better group last time we played them," Henry said. "We know it's going to be tough. Their defense is solid – top to bottom."
For the Ravens, Henry said it's about studying the film from the last meeting to see how they can crack Cleveland's attacking downhill defense, practicing well, and, of course, taking it to the game.
There's no magic elixir when facing a defensive front led by Myles Garrett, first-round defensive tackle Mason Graham, veteran defensive tackle Maliek Collins, and rookie inside linebacker Carson Schwesinger.
"They're really good. They got after us pretty good. I think we ran 21 times for like 46 yards, which is unacceptable. There's no other way to put it. Really nothing to do with Derrick per se, other than it's not good enough," Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken said. "You have to fight to fix it, and we have. And that happens. This is the NFL; you have good teams, good defenses, but we've got to do a better job running."
Lamar Jackson Isn't Worried About Decreased Rushing Attempts
Jackson has usually done his part as a runner against the Browns. His 760 rushing yards against them are the second-most against any opponent (behind the Bengals), and his six rushing touchdowns are the most.
Will it be different this time around?
Jackson's rushing numbers are significantly down this season. Part of it is because he missed three-and-a-half games because of a hamstring injury, but that's not the full story.
Jackson's 36 rushing yards and 5.8 rushing attempts per game are both currently career lows. He averaged 53.8 yards and 8.2 attempts per game last season.
"I'm going to do whatever it takes to win," Jackson said. "I don't really pay attention to the number of rushes [I have]. We have Derrick Henry, Keaton Mitchell, Justice [Hill], and Rasheen Ali; we have all these guys to run the ball – and sometimes Zay [Flowers] – so, I don't really worry about it, as long as we're winning."
Jackson's Solution for Garrett
Garrett once again leads the NFL in sacks (11) and he's certainly capable of wrecking a game. Just ask the New England Patriots, whom Garrett hung five sacks on.
The Ravens have long had to game-plan for Garrett, and Jackson offered his solution on Thursday.
"You just try to get as many hands and objects on him as possible," Jackson said.
In 15 career games against the Ravens, Garrett has had 10 sacks and one forced fumble. He's had a larger impact on the Bengals (15 sacks, two forced fumbles) and Steelers (13 sacks, four forced fumbles).
In an interview on "The Lounge" podcast this week, left tackle Ronnie Stanley said Garrett is the toughest player he's ever blocked.
"It's the mixture of speed, power and agility that he brings that makes you be disciplined," Stanley said. "You have to be extra focused and the speed of your game has to be sped up."
Devontez Walker Is Eager for Another Opportunity
With Rashod Bateman dealing with a sprained ankle that has held him out of the first two days of practice, Devontez Walker could get another crack at making some plays.
Walker hasn't played since Week 5 against the Houston Texans. He suffered an oblique injury but has been a healthy scratch the past several games.
Monken said Walker has been practicing well, but that it has just been a numbers game with other players, such as Mitchell, getting a shot to contribute.
"I'm glad that the opportunity is finally coming," Walker said. "I feel like I've shown when I'm out there, and when I get out there, I take advantage of all of it. So, it's exciting. I hate that that happened for 'Bate.' I'm hoping that he comes back healthy."
Walker scored two touchdowns against the Browns in the Ravens' Week 2 win.
"I feel like the first game, I showed why I belong in this league," Walker said. "I'm excited to play them again. They got one of the best corners in the league. That's always exciting to see that on that side of the ball. I think it's going to be good."
