3 Keys to Week 18 vs. the Ravens

Pressure QB Lamar Jackson

The Browns defense will face another elite quarterback when they take the field against QB Lamar Jackson, who can use his legs to escape pressure and run with the ball, as well as throw the ball at a high level.

This season, Jackson has been sacked 23 times, which is 26th in the league among all quarterbacks who have played this season. Among quarterbacks who have played all 16 games this season, only Bills QB Josh Allen has been sacked fewer times than Jackson with 14 sacks.

When the Browns faced the Ravens in Week 8, they sacked Jackson a total of three times for a net loss of 26 yards. Their ability to apply pressure to Jackson one again – especially from their defensive line – could play an important role in Week 18.

“You have a quarterback component to (the running attack) and then you got to chase the most elusive quarterback in the NFL that can extend plays and also can throw on time,” defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said. “We need our whole defensive line and the whole coordinated coverage to be able to play well.”

DE Myles Garrett said while they can’t take Jackson completely out of the game because of his ability to use his legs and throw the ball. Because of his dual threat ability, Garrett said they must be aware of when he stays in the pocket as well as when he breaks the pocket.

“There are definitely some other special cats at the quarterback position who are shifty,” Garrett said. “Lamar has that. But he also has speed. He has quickness, is shifty. So, he has that tremendous running ability, and he can also throw the ball pretty much anyone on the field right now.”