The Baltimore Ravens go on the road in week 3 for the first time this season as the team goes up against the Cleveland Browns to renew their rivalry in the AFC North. Over the course of two games, the Ravens at times looked pretty good and pretty bad.
Nobody knows what to expect from the Ravens so far. The Ravens have all of the characteristics to be one of the best teams in the NFL and challenge the Denver Broncos in playoffs. However, the Ravens are also notorious for playing when they feel like it at times especially against lower competition. The Ravens went 2-6 on the road last season. It would be a major disappointment for the team to lack focus in a very tough road game. Here are the three situations to look for as the Ravens take on their AFC North rival in week 3.
1. Ravens offense starting off fast on the road
The Ravens offense over the years with Joe Flacco under center has had huge problems starting off fast on the road. With offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak in the fold, it will be interesting to see if Flacco can get into a rhythm with quick passes to get everyone's confidence going against a solid Browns defense.
2. Ravens defense pressuring Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer
Ravens outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil has two sacks on the season with both coming against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Veteran outside linebacker Terrell Suggs on the other hand has zero sacks on the season. It won't get easier for either outside linebacker as both Dumervil and Suggs will go up against one of the elite left tackles in the game in Joe Thomas.
The quickest way for the Ravens take the air out of the crowd on the road is for their defense to bring pressure early and often to Hoyer. The Browns haven't played a defense on the level of the Ravens so far. The Ravens have only allowed one touchdown this season which is the fewest in the NFL.
3. Torrey Smith getting into a rhythm
Smith has overall in his first-four seasons has been one of the best players on the Ravens roster with his ability to break a game wide open. In the 2014 season however, Smith hasn't been able to get anything going. Through two games this season, Smith has a total of four catches for 60 yards.
If the Ravens expect to win on the road in week 3, Smith has to be a key contributor especially with the Browns featuring one of the best corners in the game in Joe Haden.
While the Browns might not be one of the best teams in the NFL at this point, the Browns went on the road in week 1 and gave the Pittsburgh Steelers a fight. Last week, the Browns defeated the New Orleans Saints. If the Ravens can control this game and come out with a victory, the Ravens would make a statement.