In getting ready for Sunday’s matchup in opposition to the Cleveland Browns, Dawgs by Nature’s Chris Pokorny and I sat down for a small Q&A for each other’s publications.

Try the Q&A under, and be sure you take a look at DraftKings Sportsbook for all of your sports activities betting wants this season.

1. The Cleveland Browns listed quarterback Deshuan Watson as questionable after being restricted in follow all week. What’s the stage of expectation for Watson to play on Sunday? If he can’t go, would the offense change or be restricted with backup quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson?

I’m going into the weekend anticipating Deshaun Watson to play. Though he was restricted in follow this week, I really feel if it was so unhealthy that he wasn’t going to play, then the Browns would’ve been doing every little thing doable at follow to get reps for rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson (DTR). To reply your second query, I’m positive there could be some issues that Kevin Stefanski would change from a formation perspective with DTR — like fewer 5 wides, and extra two tight finish units — however the offense has not likely “clicked” with Watson, so I don’t know if there could be a notable productiveness dropoff at this level. DTR brings a a lot higher ingredient of velocity than Watson does — kind of like Lamar Jackson — so I’d anticipate him to make use of his legs fairly a bit to attempt gaining yardage. I believe the massive distinction we’d see is Baltimore loading as much as cease Cleveland’s operating sport, and daring DTR to beat them via the air.

2. The Browns protection has dominated, permitting just one subject aim in Weeks 1 and three, and permitting solely 12 factors in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2. What about this method is discovering success?

Having gamers with extra velocity like DE Za’Darius Smith and S Juan Thornhill has helped, however Jim Schwartz has additionally discovered the suitable system to get these gamers all clicking on the identical web page. The sure-tackling, instincts in pursuit, teamwork in defending the run, confidence from cornerbacks in man protection, are all clicking on the highest stage I’ve ever seen in any Browns protection. If you add all of these components collectively, you get to see DE Myles Garrett take benefit like he did in opposition to the Titans final week with 3.5 sacks. This three-week stretch is so loopy and unprecedented for me as a soccer fan, as a result of each drive, I’m dying to see our protection on the sector as a result of it looks like they will make a giant play on each down.

3. A participant Ravens followers are aware of and wish to know extra about is edge rusher Za’Darius Smith. He’s been productive as a cross rusher this season with 9 pressures and among the many NFL’s greatest in PFF’s cross rush grade. What have you ever seen from him and do you anticipate the sacks to be on their approach?

I’m positive a number of sacks will come right here and there, however I’m not likely nervous about that due to the opposite statistics you talked about (pressures and pass-rushing grade). Smith has been a disruptor, and the remainder of the line of defense has benefitted from it. DE Alex Wright, a third-round decide final yr, solely performed about 35% of the snaps final week however obtained a terrific grade from PFF, as did veteran DT Maurice Hurst. The specter of Smith and Garrett is opening issues up for everybody else, and it helps when each single unit is enjoying their position to perfection.

4. Who’re two Browns gamers (one offense/one protection) Ravens followers ought to pay particular consideration to on this sport that aren’t family names?

On offense, I’ll go together with WR Elijah Moore. He’s most likely a recognized identify to many followers, however he’s the latest addition to the Browns’ offense. The crew is using him with loads of targets within the quick passing sport (swing passes, screens, slot receiver third down stuff), and in addition utilizing him as a operating again right here and there. He hasn’t fairly had a sport the place he’s made me go, “wow, what a distinction maker!,” however there isn’t any doubt that the crew has dedicated to using him on offense.

On protection, S Grant Delpit has been terrific. Through the first two video games, he was dominant, and is constructing off of a strong stretch in 2022. His instincts in protection have been implausible, whether or not that be defending the cross, or recognizing a shorter route and developing with a full head of steam to make the positive sort out. He seems to be like an All-Professional protection, and I believe defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has unleashed his potential a bit. The one cause he didn’t have a extra notable sport final week is as a result of the ten different guys on protection did their jobs so nicely that I don’t know if there was something left for Delpit to even attempt cleansing up.

5. The road for this sport, in line with DraftKings Sportsbook, is Browns -1.5. What are your ideas on this line?

The road was lowered I assume as a result of unsure standing of Deshaun Watson. Since I’m nonetheless anticipating him to play, and I nonetheless view the Ravens’ offense as being too reliant on Lamar Jackson’s legs, and because the Browns’ protection has been enjoying at a historic stage, I be ok with the Browns coming away with a victory. And since a -1.5 line is just about a decide’em, I believe it’d be a strong wager to take.