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Baltimore Ravens: What to Expect From Chris Givens on Sunday

By Brandon Austin

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The Baltimore Ravens sorely lack any deep receiving threats. Steve Smith Sr. is battling a back injury and rookie Breshad Perriman has yet to take the field this season. The Ravens attempted to address this pressing need by acquiring Chris Givens from the St. Louis Rams for a conditional 2018 seventh-round draft pick. Givens will make his Ravens’ debut Sunday when they take on the Cleveland Browns.

While the Ravens are hoping that Givens can provide the spark they need offensively, Givens is just hoping that he can revive his career, which got started in promising fashion. He was selected in the 4th round of the 2012 draft out of Wake Forest, where he was a teammate of fellow wide receiver Michael Campanaro.

Givens’ rookie season appeared to be a sign of great things to come. He broke the NFL record for most consecutive games with a reception of 50 or more yards (5). Givens finished the season with 42 receptions for 698 yards and three touchdowns. In the seasons that followed, he could never duplicate that type of production.

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Now he has the opportunity to start fresh in Baltimore. And Givens isn’t coming alone. He brings with him a “potato-sized” chip, which rests on his shoulder.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to come out and show what I’m about, show what I’m made of,” Givens said. “I’m just excited to take advantage.”

So how does Givens figure into the Ravens’ plans for Sunday? John Harbaugh weighed in.

"“How much he plays depends on how well he does. I’m really hopeful he plays a lot. It’ll be up to him and how well he can learn what we’re doing.”"

Givens will definitely get plenty of opportunities to show his stuff. He joins a group of unproven receivers like Kamar Aiken and Marlon Brown. Aiken has shined at times, while Brown has struggled. These spots are pretty much up for grabs and Givens is looking to make his mark.

When you watch Givens play, one of the aspects of his game that stands out is his speed. He ran a 4.41 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. Joe Flacco loves the deep ball and the Ravens are hoping that he and Givens can hook up for one on Sunday.

Givens faces a stiff first test in the Browns, who have only given up two catches of 20 or more yards. That’s good for second in the league.

If Givens can regain the form he had as a rookie, the Ravens may have themselves a steal.

Next: The Ravens Should Trade for Roddy White

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