Just a few quick idle thoughts this week.
First, let’s not kid ourselves about the Steelers game. Mitch Trubisky had his way against the Ravens’ secondary. But true to his form, he forced several throws that led to the interceptions. It was a poor effort by the Ravens’ corners. If George Pickens had his way with Marlon Humphrey, what will the Bengals game look like when the Ravens try to defend Chase, Higgins, and Boyd?
But for Calais Campbell’s field goal block, the Ravens likely lose the Steelers’ game.
Let’s face it. Double teams against Mark Andrews will be the norm from here on out. Note to Greg Roman. Try some new looks – put Andrews in motion on occasion. How about splitting Andrews out wide and drawing the safety away from the middle of the field – then attack that middle with Isaiah Likely down the seam. Etcetera.
Trystan Colon played exceptionally well against the Steelers. There is more to his game than we thought. His low pad level might be a bigger gift on the inside, combined with his excellent feet, then we imaged.
The slot corner/outside corner concern is turning into a conundrum. Kyle Hamilton had a very poor game against the Steelers. Freiermuth beat him like a drum. He took numerous poor tackling angles.
Marlon Humphrey struggled on the outside. It is tempting to put Humphrey back on the inside, where so many think he excels. But the Ravens need him more desperately on the outside. How about giving Ar’Darius Washington more snaps in the slot? He offers toughness, quickness, and an ability to blitz the quarterback. The Browns are the right team to give Washington a more extensive audition.
To end – I expect the Browns to play eight and nine up to stop the run. Misdirection and deception are important in this game. More play action. A couple of down field looks. And the offensive tackles must hold up.
