Ravens vs. Browns: Interview with Factory of Sadness
By Joe Serpico
The Baltimore Ravens play their first divisional matchup this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. We asked our friends at Factory of Sadness a few questions leading up to the game.
We have plenty to say each week about the Baltimore Ravens, but it is also nice to hear the opposing team’s point of view.
The Ravens take on the Cleveland Browns this week, and while we know plenty about football, we do cannot follow every single team every single day. That’s why the FanSided Network is home to over 300 sites.
We interviewed Ryan Rosko, the editor at Factory of Sadness, FanSided’s home for Cleveland sports coverage. Here is what he had to say about this Sunday’s game:
The Ravens have been a successful franchise since moving to Baltimore, while the Browns have struggled since reentering the league. Does Cleveland still hold a grudge against the Ravens for taking their team away?
Some may be over it to an extent. However, in general, Cleveland fans as a whole still do hold a grudge. They may not label it as a grudge, but the dislike/hatred is still there. That said, such a feeling is just as strong to the late Art Modell and his family. Modell is one of, if not the most hated person in Cleveland sports history.
The Browns carousel at quarterback continues with Robert Griffin being placed on IR with a shoulder injury. However, Josh McCown had a career day against the Ravens last season. Are the Browns better off with McCown?
He is a good short-term option and nothing more. I would prefer to see him being strictly as a mentor, but since Griffin got injured, Cleveland has to do what is necessary at the QB position. For the time being they are better off, but for long-term continuity and chemistry building, no he is not. Hopefully this time next year, Cleveland has that realistic long-term answer to end their search.
It was a rough showing against rookie Carson Wentz, a player the Browns could have had with the No. 2 pick. Do you think they regret that decision after his performance Sunday?
The Browns should regret their decision even if it is just one game. Rather than going with Wentz (or even Jared Goff), they went with Griffin who has injury issues. Cleveland should have drafted Wentz, or Derek Carr or Teddy Bridgewater in 2014. I have seen reports saying they only wanted Goff, so who knows how realistic the Wentz to Cleveland talk really was. I get the rebuilding with quality over quantity. However, Cleveland also needs players now. Maybe not at the moment, but not far down the road they definitely will have wished they took Wentz.
The Ravens defense is coming off a dominant effort against the Buffalo Bills in which they limited them to 160 yards on offense. Is there a player on the Browns offense that can threaten those numbers by himself?
When he is eligible and at the top of his game, Josh Gordon is that player for the Browns. However, he cannot be relied upon and is currently suspended. With about half of an offensive line, no running game, question marks at wide receiver and quarterback, it is hard seeing the Browns having much success. That is the case not only for this weekend, but for the whole season.
What will be the deciding factor and your score prediction for Sunday?
Due to Cleveland’s inability to stop the run and their issues on offense, high scoring games are not going to benefit them. So, if the Browns will be able to keep Baltimore’s score under 17 then they will have a chance.
To make that happen, strides on the defensive side will have to be made and tight end Gary Barnidge will have to get back to his Pro Bowl level. At the end of the day, however, Baltimore is too talented and they end up with a 23-10 win.
Next: Ravens: Fantasy a Football Start or Sit 'Em
We want to thank Ryan for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish Factory of Sadness continued success throughout the year, but just not this Sunday.