Baltimore Ravens report card versus Cleveland Browns
Hi guys, sorry about the long delay for the report card. Christmas is a very busy time for me and my family so I had to put off blogging. Hope everyone enjoyed having a few days off.
Quarterback– Joe Flacco started off playing great for the Baltimore Ravens. I thought he played decent in the second half but the offense got out of rhythm and his receivers dropped the ball on critical third downs. Ed Dickson had two drops when Flacco hit him right in the hands. On Flacco’s interception, Lee Evans got outplayed for the ball. Grade B
Running backs– Ray Rice had a good game running the ball and receiving the ball. Rice had a big 42-yard touchdown reception and 87 rushing yards. Ricky Williams rushed for 45 yards on 10 carries. Grade B
Receivers– Torrey Smith was the only wide receiver to have a reception and he only had two. Tandon Doss and Lee Evans were targeted a total of five times and did not have any receptions. Ed Dickson caught a touchdown pass but had two bad drops. Grade D
Offensive line– Despite losing Pro-Bowl guard Marshal Yanda midway through the game the offensive line still only allowed one sack. They opened up some good holes in the running game. Flacco was not hit that often. Grade B
Defensive line– The defensive line had trouble containing Browns running back Peyton Hillis, who had 112 yards rushing. The defensive line also had trouble getting to the quarterback only producing two total sacks in the game. They still put pressure on the Browns quarterback Seneca Wallace throughout the game. Grade C
Linebackers– Ray Lewis led the team in tackles with ten. Brendon Ayanbadejo had a good game with four tackles and a sack. Terrell Suggs had two tackles for a loss. A good game from this unit, despite losing Jameel McClain early in the game. Grade B+
Secondary– The secondary only allowed 147 yards in the air the entire game. They lost starting corner Cary Williams early in the game after he suffered a concussion and still played well. Lardarius Webb single handily stopped a Browns drive with an excellent interception. Bernard Pollard was second on the team in tackles with eight. Grade A
Special teams– The punt coverage unit allowed a punt return for a touchdown to Joshua Cribbs. Newly signed kicker Shayne Graham was perfect on field goals and extra point attempts. Grade C+
Coaching staff– The Ravens had a big 17 point lead going into the half but allowed the Browns to get back into the game. When the Ravens neared the third quarter they started running the ball on nearly every play instead of going for the throat. Grade C
