Dominant Victory: Baltimore over Cleveland

The Football ERA calculated several dominant victories in Week 3. The formula is not meant to provide an authorative review of everything that occured during the game, but provides insight by looking at what happened in the trenches from a different angle than judging an outcome by the final score.



In this case, Baltimore mounted drive after drive but were not always fully successful in the red zone. Some of their drives ended in turnovers while others only produced field goals. The formula credits the Ravens for its dominating ball control performance, particularly in rushing the ball against a Cleveland defensive line that was missing DE Robaire Smith who was put on IR. He was replaced by Shaun Smith. Also LB Willie McGinnest was also out of the lineup against Baltimore, replaced by Alex Hall. Meanwhile, the offensive line was shuffled to compensate for the absence of Guard Eric Steinbach who was replaced by the veteran Seth McKinney.





Bal 1947.15
Cleve -611.7063636






















Net Total: Offensive Total= Off. Rushing + Off. Drives
Defensive Total=Def. Rushing + Def. Pressure


Offense Defense
Bal 1947.15--> 907.35= 568.75 + 338.6 1039.8= 526.87 + 512.92
Cleve -611.70--> -87.35= 93.75 + -181.1 -524.35= -526.875 + 2.51




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The Ravens return most of their starters from 2007 when they did some significant rebuilding on their offensive line which included adjustments for the loss of OT Tony Pashos to Jacksonville via free agency. Eventhough they have started the season without the significant contribution that they got last year from NT Kelly Gregg, they have made the adjustment with DT Justin Bannan replacing him in the lineup---in part because Bannan gained valuable experience in 2007 playing for injured starters.

The offensive line has been completely shuffled from 2007 with surprisingly positive results thus far--mainly because the 2008 starters played in many games last year while the Ravens were battling through injuries on their offensive line. Adversity can provide an opportunity for players to get experience for later productivity. Jared Gaither replaces the retired pro-bowler Jonathan Ogden but has been no slouch as he played frequently last year along with Ben Grubbs, Jason Brown (who is replacing the departed Mike Flynn at center), and Marshall Yanda. Chris Chester also started last year and will therefore provide valuable depth as a backup.

Here are the starting lineups for the Ravens and Browns with changes from 2007 and/or from last week highlighted in Bold.


++++++++++Baltimore Ravens++++++++++

Defensive Front:


Jarret Johnson Ray Lewis Bart Scott Terrell Suggs


Haloti Ngata Justin Bannan Trevor Pryce



Offensive Line:


Jared Gaither Ben Grubbs Jason Brown Marshall Yanda Adam Terry




++++++++++Cleveland Browns++++++++++

Defensive Front:


Alex Hall(R) Andra Davis D'Qwell Jackson Kamerion Wimbley


Corey Williams Shaun Rogers Shaun Smith







Offensive Line:


Joe Thomas Seth McKiney Hank Fraley Rex Hadnot Kevin Shaffer



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