Browns vs Ravens: Notes, Thoughts and Predictions

Cleveland Browns running back Jamal Lewis is at the magical age of 30, when NFL running backs begin their immediate decline.

So it's with little surprise that we read the news from the Cleveland Plain Dealer that he'll miss today's game, just the third of the 2009 season.

For those who were planning to start Lewis against the Baltimore Ravens today in fantasy, you can take a shot with Jerome Harrison or James Davis -- the two men who will share duties as his replacement.

Then again, take a gander at what AFC North blogger James Walker had to say earlier in the week:

"The Baltimore Ravens are giving the rest of the NFL a lot to worry about, and perhaps the scariest thought of all is that ESPN.com's top-rated team still has room to grow. Baltimore's defense is ranked No. 17 and has yet to get its act together against the pass. The Ravens' high-scoring offense has masked many of those early woes. But based on the team's history, you figure it's just a matter of time before Baltimore's defense catches up to its offense. (That felt extremely awkward to write.) "

I don't care if the Ravens have the 17th ranked defense, we've only played two games this season. Hell, even my wife could name four starters on there defense right now. I don't think she could do that for the Browns.

I am excited to get a look at the offense without Lewis. James Davis (as we all know) looked great during preseason, but didn't do much against Denver's first team defense. Maybe with more reps during practice this week, confidence will turn into a higher YPC this week.

Finally, something needs to be done with our passing attack, or lack thereof. I don't care if we go Wildcat all day or if Quinn sits back in shotgun 90% of the time. We need to move the ball vertically. The right side of our O-line is pathetic right now and we just won't have the luxury of running left all day.

Andy finally, there will be no Phil Dawson kicking today but NFL journeyman Billy Cundiff will have kicking duties while Dawson battles with the injury bug.

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