Game Day Preview

Today the Ravens will take on a division rival, the Cleveland Browns.

The past three weeks the Ravens have faced three former ProBowl quarterbacks, this week it is rookie QB Brandon Weeden. Head Coach John Harbaugh was asked if their is any relief in getting to face a rookie quarterback, instead of a ProBowl caliber QB.  Harbaugh came back saying, "The challenge is that they (rookies) haven't seen anything, it's the first time for everything, so you don't know how they're going to respond, and they don't know how they are going to respond." In week 1 Weeden was 12-35, 118 yards, and 4 interceptions. However in week 2, Weeden bounced back strong, completing 26 or 37 passes, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.

With this stat line in mind, Ed Reed was asked if he was foaming at the mouth to face a rookie again, especially one who has already thrown 6 picks. Reed commented saying "You see he still has a lot to learn, that's with any rookie quarterback coming into the league. But you can see that he can throw every ball."

Many players echoed the same ideas as Harbaugh and Reed, they are not going to underestimate Weeden, they know what he is capable of, so they will prepare for the best.

The Ravens have won 12 straight games at M&T Bank Stadium, and 9 straight against AFC North teams, they are looking to keep both streaks alive in this short week.

Both teams are fairly healthy, but one key injury does stand out. Starting WR for the Browns, Massaquoi has been ruled out of today's game. Massaquoi has been one of Weeden's most reliable targets, and it will be hard for them to replace his production.

Bigger news is who will be on the field rather that who is injured. Last night the NFL and NFL Referees Association reached an 8 year deal. Even though the deal will not be ratified until Friday or Saturday, Goodell has lifted the lock out for tonights game, a relief to all to many fans, players, and coaches.

Ed Hochuli signaling his joy for the agreement between
the two sides. Hochuli will be the referee for tonights game.