Baltimore Ravens Derrick Mason Retired: What This Means for the Cleveland Browns

Derrick Mason isn't exactly a big deal to the Cleveland Browns, considering they aren't even sure if Mangini will be successful (oh please be successful Mangini), but it still makes a difference.

In week three of last season, the Browns got blown out by the Ravens 28-10 in their first meeting. In this game, Mason had four receptions for 42 yards.

Last season, in week nine when the Browns and the Baltimore Ravens had second first meeting, the Browns defense got destroyed giving the Ravens the 37-27 win.

In that game, Mason had nine receptions for 136 yards and a touchdown.

Against the Browns in 2008, Mason had 13 receptions for 178 yards and a touchdown. The 35-year-old, 12 year veteran was a great receiver for Baltimore and played well against the Browns. Without him things will be easier.

Why?

1. With Mason gone, other receivers will be depended on.

The predicted starters now are Michael Clayton and Demetrius Williams. Behind them Marcus Smith, Justin Harper, and Kelley Washington will battle it out.

Though good, none are at Mason's level.

2. Joe Flacco loses his No. 1 receiver.

As a rookie quarterback, it must have been nice to have the sure-handed Mason hauling in catch after catch for you. Well, now he is gone and excuses aside, you fail if you don't go as far as you did last season Flacco.

Is anyone ready to see a sophomore slump?

3. The running game will suffer.

The running game having a lot of cushion had a lot to do with Mason. The defense didn't want to get burned so they play deep, but then the Ravens run the ball. Take away cushion to get the run and Mason burns you deep.

The cushion just got smaller, Baltimore!

All in all, the Browns' defense will have it a little easier when the time comes to play Baltimore.

Since the Browns defense improved while the Ravens offense got worse, Cleveland could see a victory against Baltimore this year.