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Ravens vs. Browns: 10 Reactions To Baltimore Beating Cleveland
December 26, 2010Ravens Vs. Browns: 10 Reactions To Baltimore Beating Cleveland
The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Cleveland Browns on Sunday and clinched a berth in the 2010 NFL playoffs.
Head coach John Harbaugh wanted to get back to running the football and playing good defense. Today, we saw glimpses of what this years Ravens team could show us in January.
It was a typical AFC North game in December, with the Browns hanging around for most of the game. However, the better team prevailed in the end led by the veteran defense of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.
I am a Ravens and NFL Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com.
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Ed Reed Took Advantage Of Colt Mccoy, Feasting On His Mistakes
The MVP of the Ravens win over the Cleveland Browns was safety Ed Reed, who took advantage of rookie Colt McCoy.
Reed continued to lead a Ravens defense that has forced more turnovers since his return to the field in week 8.
Colt McCoy took a few chances deep down the field but Reed knew McCoy's mindset and intercepted two passes, the last one icing the victory for the Ravens.
The play of Baltimore's corner backs in today's win is also a reflection of Reed, as teams aren't taking as many chances down the field like they did earlier in the season.
I Was Impressed With The Effort Of These Young Cleveland Browns
I will be the first one to admit that I expected the Ravens to pull this game out by more than 10 points. However, led by Colt McCoy, Eric Mangini's team gave quite an effort out there today.
Sure, jobs may be on the line for these players. That doesn't take away some of these young Browns players making plays against a veteran team such as the Ravens.
Joe Haden played great coverage on Anquan Boldin today, while Colt McCoy showed no fear against the Ravens defense.
The future looks bright for many of these young Cleveland Brown players.
Ray Lewis, Ravens Defense Lived Up To Guarantee By Shutting Down Peyton Hillis
This week line backer Ray Lewis guaranteed Browns running back Peyton Hillis wouldn't rush for 100 yards like he did early in the season.
The result? 12 rushes for 35 yards and no touchdowns. The Ravens run defense is returning to form as one of the leagues best over the past month, and Peyton Hillis couldn't break the streak.
Hillis physical style of running in December did not go well against the physical defense of the Baltimore Ravens.
Browns Receivers Didn't Help Colt McCoy On Sunday
On Sunday, the downfall of the Cleveland Browns was the offenses inability to put up many points in the second half.
A big reason for that is the play of the receivers, who's inexperience in big games continue to be an issue.
A combination of dropped passes and unable to fight with the corner backs for balls in the air made it a tougher time on Colt McCoy.
If McCoy wants to improve his development as a quarterback, he will need more talent around him.
Ravens Have Trouble Putting The Game Away Once Again
A common theme for the issue of the Baltimore Ravens has been closing out games in the fourth quarter.
Though they did not blow the lead and give up any points in the second half, it's a concern to see the Ravens allow the Browns to drive down the field in the final minutes of the game and could have threatened to make a comeback again.
The offense was unable to put up points in the fourth quarter, as Cam Cameron intended to use the running game to put this game away.
Browns Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll Could Be Done After 2010
Coming into this week's game I heard constant critcism from Browns fans regarding offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.
Today I saw a glimpse of the frustrations Browns fans have endured all season long. Daboll could never utilize Peyton Hillis properly during the game.
Hillis seemed to be a threat in the passing game yet he was only used on runs up the middle which the Ravens ate up.
It was also evident he wanted Colt to look down field more often and expose the main weakness in the Ravens secondary, instead of taking what the Ravens defense gave them.
Don't be surprised to see Daboll out of Cleveland after 2010.
Joe Flacco Continues To Use Physical Skills To His Advantage
Joe Flacco continues his progression as the quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens.
Today, Flacco continues to use his size to his advantage. His ability to break off defenders and be smart with his feet is another key feature to his success in the future.
I guess with the trouble of the offensive lineman in recent weeks, Joe Flacco has been able to pick up yards on the ground with his feet.
Rob Ryan Should Be Cleveland's Defensive Coordinator In 2011
After seeing a full game of the Cleveland Browns, I believe it would be in best interest for Rob Ryan to return as defensive coordinator.
His defense has done well in 2010, despite a lot of young players on this team and a lack of veteran talent.
He has a promising corner in Joe Haden ( Haden's Island in the future?) which highlights plenty of young players on the roster.
Though a new head coach is possible, Mike Holmgren should make it a priority to keep Rob Ryan on board.
Ravens Continue To Draw Up Balanced Game Plan In Win Over Browns
The offensive performance of the Ravens might not have been pretty but the gameplan of Cam Cameron is continuing to improve.
Baltimore's running game is becoming more efficient in these cold weather games as Ray Rice rushed for 92 yards on 25 carries.
Joe Flacco was a bit active in the passing game, finding TJ Houshmandzadeh and Derrick Mason for touchdowns.
Next week's game against the Bengals should be even more improvement for the offense.
What Has Happened To Anquan Boldin?
The play of Anquan Boldin has been inconsistent the last half of the season.
Anquan Boldin was quiet again today, being shut down by rookie corner back Joe Haden.
Derrick Mason and TJ Houshmandzadeh were among the receivers Flacco targeted today.
Fatigue may be a factor, but overall it is discouraging Anquan Boldin isn't playing like he did earlier in the year.