- WR Anquan Boldin vs. CB Joe HadenThe last time these two teams met, Boldin was the star, torching the Browns for a season-high 142 yards and three touchdowns on eight catches. But that was largely against former starter Eric Wright. Haden stepped into the starting lineup four games ago and the Maryland native has played like gangbusters. The first-round draft pick currently leads the Browns with five interceptions and 16 pass breakups.
It’s not going to be easy to pass the ball in Cleveland’s blustery conditions, but Boldin’s physical presence and reliable hands could make him the top target if he’s got a rookie guarding him on Sunday.
- ILB Ray Lewis vs. RB Peyton HillisHillis rumbled for 144 yards on the ground in Week 3 against a prideful Ravens defense. Lewis obviously didn’t take too kindly to that. “My son could’ve run through the holes that we gave him in Baltimore, and we just don’t do that,” Lewis said Wednesday.
Well, Hillis has continued to terrorize defenses with a battering-ram style that fits his 250-pound frame. Hillis boasts six 100-yard games and hit 1,000 yards after only 13 weeks. As the leader of the Ravens’ defense, Lewis certainly drew a line in the sand.
- OLB Terrell Suggs vs. LT Joe ThomasThomas just might be the Browns’ best player – not just best offensive lineman – and he and Suggs have had some good battles over the years. Since Thomas took over left tackle as a rookie in 2007, Suggs has four sacks against the Browns in seven games, but Suggs’ 11 sacks in 15 Cleveland matchups are the most he’s posted against any opponent.
- OLB Prescott Burgess vs. WR Josh CribbsThe Ravens’ special teams tackles leader (12) will lead a coverage unit tasked with corralling Cribbs, who is regarded as one of the NFL’s top returners. This season, Cribbs hasn’t been as explosive, posting a middling 20.8-yard kickoff return average, but that’s mainly because teams focus on him. If the Ravens do kick to Cribbs, Burgess and the rest of the special teamers must get to him quickly.
- C Matt Birk vs. NT Ahtyba RubinThe Ravens had so much success rushing the football last week with a strong push up front, but the 6-foot-2, 330-pound Rubin can make a repeat performance difficult. Rubin leads all defensive linemen with 74 tackles this season, and the Browns have allowed only five rushing touchdowns this season, an NFL best mark. Birk, along with guards Chris Chester and Ben Grubbs, must get their pads low and drive Rubin out of the way so Ray Rice and Willis McGahee can churn out first downs.
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Matchups To Watch: Anquan Vs. Haden
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