Browns’ D has big test against potent Ravens

McClatchy Newspapers

BEREA

Browns defensive back Mike Adams wants a favor from Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.

“Just throw us four,” Adams said with a laugh.

Adams was referring to the career-high number of interceptions Flacco had last week in the Ravens’ 15-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. But don’t get too giddy, because Adams’ wish won’t be granted.

Even though the Browns’ defense has been stellar during the first two weeks of the season, its chances of preventing Flacco from earning redemption are not favorable. He has thrown three picks twice during the regular season, only to rebound the next game with a passer rating of at least 120.

Flacco won’t be flustered, despite his rough start, which includes a league-leading five picks and a lost fumble, and Adams knows it. There are only three University of Delaware alumni now playing in the NFL. Adams and Flacco are two of them.

“You can talk to him all you want, but he won’t say nothing,” Adams said of trying to get into Flacco’s head. “He’s quiet. He’s humble. I like him a lot. He’s a player.”

Yes, he is. And he also serves as a microcosm for an ultra-talented offense that is itching to break out after scoring only 10 points in each of its first two games and failing to support a defense that has not allowed a touchdown yet.

Last week in a 16-14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Browns’ defense didn’t allow a touchdown. The week before, in a 17-14 defeat against Tampa Bay, the defense gave up two touchdowns, but one of them was set up by Ronde Barber’s interception return to the Browns’ 3-yard line.

Last season, the defense ranked 31st (389.3 yards per game) out of 32 teams. Now it’s ranked 13th (300 yards per game), 25th against the run and tied for eighth against the pass.

Although the defense has shown significant improvement, it still needs to address some issues to conquer the likes of the Ravens, who will exploit any lapse in execution, so the defense must be sharp. Otherwise, Flacco, who’s 4-0 against the Browns, will meet Adams’ request by throwing four, but those four will be touchdowns instead of interceptions.