Ravens vs. Browns is expected to be a mismatch. So is Jackson vs. Zappe
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There are many reasons Baltimore has a chance to win a division title this week while Cleveland is near the bottom of the league.
For example, consider the matchup at quarterback.
Lamar Jackson is in the mix for his third MVP award and second in a row, with a chance to produce statistical accomplishments that have never been achieved. The Browns will counter him Saturday with Bailey Zappe, the fourth starting quarterback this season for Cleveland.
“This game, because of all of the other games behind it, is an opportunity to put a banner up here,” Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said. “That means a lot, especially in the AFC North. It’s a tough division, so winning the AFC North is even a greater accomplishment. That’s the opportunity we have this week, and that’s what we’re going to be fighting for.”
The Ravens (11-5) would win the division with a victory. If they lose, Pittsburgh could snatch the title — and a first-round home playoff game — by beating Cincinnati on Saturday night.
Cleveland (3-13) actually beat Baltimore and Pittsburgh this season with Jameis Winston playing quarterback. He since has been benched. Zappe becomes the team’s 40th starting QB since 1999. The Browns were hoping Deshaun Watson could provide some stability at the position, but he has been lost to injury in each of the past two seasons.
Jackson has a passer rating of 121.6. The NFL’s single-season record is held by Aaron Rodgers, who finished at 122.5 in 2011.
A couple other firsts are in play for Jackson this weekend. He has thrown for 3,955 yards and rushed for 852, with 39 touchdown passes and four interceptions.
• No player has thrown for 4,000 yards and run for 800 in a season.
• No player has thrown for 4,000 yards with at least 40 TD passes and four or fewer interceptions.
There’s a first on the line for the Browns, too. Cleveland has never had a single-season sack champion. Myles Garrett can end the drought.
Garrett enters Saturday’s game with 14 sacks, tying the star edge rusher with Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson for the league lead. The NFL’s reigning top defensive player, Garrett is the first with 14 sacks in four straight seasons.
Despite teams game-planning to stop him, Garrett has been as dominant as ever. He’s making a late push to win defensive player of the year for the second straight season, and coach Kevin Stefanski said there’s no doubt in his mind that Garrett should repeat.
“I don’t see how he’s not the best defensive player in the game this year,” Stefanski said. “Whatever metric you want to measure that by, if you want to go with the eye test, I think everybody would agree. I think if you want to go with the advanced metrics and look at the pressure numbers and the times that he’s getting double-teamed and slides are going his way, that’s the piece to me that I think is so impressive and remarkable.
“He’s doing all this with getting all of the attention from the other team.”
Garrett was succinct when asked if he’s the best in the game.
“Yes,” he said.
Why?
“Go check the tape,” he said. “That’s why.”