What We Saw: Week 7

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Browns @ Ravens

Final Score: Ravens 23, Browns 20

Writer: Ryan Radel (@RadelFF on Twitter)

I’m not sure how much more Browns fandom my heart can take before it gives out. In classic fashion, the Browns found a way to lose the game in the final seconds after a very competitive game leading up to it. Again, the better-coached team left with the victory after the Ravens’ special teams unit deflected a longer-than-necessary field goal attempt in the final minutes. The Ravens only threw the ball 16 times and still managed to outscore what has been heralded as a high-powered Browns offense. As one running back exits the fold for the Ravens, another one re-enters in RB1 fashion. The Browns shied away from the run while having too many drives end without a score, which caught up to them as the game wound to a close.

Cleveland Browns

Quarterback

Jacoby Brissett: 22/27, 258 Yards, 5 Sacks | 3 Carries, 18 Yards, 2 Fumbles (1 Lost)

After a rough outing the prior week, Jacoby Brissett bounced back as a passer against the Ravens, although it wasn’t enough to leave with a victory. Completing over 80% of his passes, Brissett looked fantastic at times while also making some decisions that left you scratching your head. More than once, Brissett held onto the ball far too long, resulting in either a sack or a tuck-and-run for minimal yardage. That wouldn’t be so bad if he was able to hold onto the ball, but with yet another turnover this week it’s becoming tougher and tougher for the Browns’ offense to stay on the field and lean on their rushing game. There are moments where he looks rough and moments where he throws absolute dimes like this:

perfectly in stride 😯

📺: #CLEvsBAL on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/IW6DEVuYJP

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 23, 2022

For the sake of the Browns’ fantasy assets, I hope Brissett adds some consistency to his success in the near future

Running Back

Nick Chubb: 16 Carries, 91 Yards, TD | 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 16 Yards

Kareem Hunt: 5 Carries, 4 Yards, TD | 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 4 Yards

The Browns’ rushing game felt the absence of second-team all-pro guard Wyatt Teller today. Another week where the Browns’ coaching staff did not give their talented rushing duo an appropriate amount of touches. Although he did smash in a touchdown from short yardage, Kareem Hunt had yet another sub-par showing as he only touched the ball a total of seven times. As a running back, it’s challenging to find fantasy success with such a meager amount of touches. Nick Chubb capped off the opening drive with a score while being offered his usual amount of touches, but it was sporadic throughout the game which didn’t allow much of a rhythm to be established. Over the years, Chubb’s main downside has been the lack of receptions. While the playcalling wasn’t great, it did offer Chubb more opportunity through the air. He’s still an absolute menace to bring down:

needed the whole defense to bring him down 💪

📺: #CLEvsBAL on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/2tNwk5ZOWj

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 23, 2022

Wide Receiver/Tight End

Amari Cooper: 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 74 Yards

Donovan Peoples-Jones: 6 Targets, 6 Receptions, 71 Yards, 1 Fumble (Lost)

David Njoku: 7 Targets, 7 Receptions, 71 Yards

Harrison Bryant: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 15 Yards

David Bell: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 7 Yards

The accuracy was there for Brissett today, but the big play opportunity was not. Some plays may have been there during Brissett’s five sacks, but Browns pass-catchers were having trouble getting deep all game. Donovan Peoples-Jones brought in all of his six targets on the day, including a play to close the game where he ended up fumbling a lateral as time expired. DPJ was also active as the Browns’ primary punt returner. David Njoku also brought in 100% of his seven targets on the day before leaving the game in the third quarter with an ankle injury. As of this writing, his injury has not been disclosed, so keep an eye on what might be a major blow to a very successful 2022 fantasy season for Njoku.

Harrison Bryant also caught both of his targets for 15 yards in what was otherwise a quiet day. If Njoku misses time, Bryant is likely the next man up. Amari Cooper was able to get free all game while averaging almost 25 yards per catch, and could’ve had an even bigger day if he wasn’t called for a push-off in the second half. Considering what the Browns gave up to get him, Amari has been great thus far:

where only Amari could get it 🎯😱

📺: #CLEvsBAL on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/ISHEQeujsE

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 23, 2022

Baltimore Ravens

Quarterback

Lamar Jackson: 9/16, 120 Yards, 3 Sacks | 10 Carries, 59 Yards

Lamar Jackson simply didn’t need to throw much as he managed to lead his squad to victory in this division matchup. In addition to the talented group of running backs lining up alongside him in the backfield, Lamar continuously used his legs to make the Browns’ defense pay when it mattered the most. It was not a pretty game for Lamar, as he took three sacks and completed around 57% of his passes, but he took care of the ball and kept his team in position to put points on the board through all four quarters. There was a specific play where Lamar showed incredible balance and coordination, shaking loose from a sack and catching himself with one hand, turning what would’ve been a major loss into a manageable situation. Even when the Ravens’ offense isn’t cooking, it’s hard to stop plays like this:

Trick and a treat 👻

Tune in on CBS! pic.twitter.com/sxr3IzhYJd

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 23, 2022

Running Back

Gus Edwards: 16 Carries, 66 Yards, 2 TD | 1 Target

Justice Hill: 5 Carries, 26 Yards, 1 Fumble (Lost)

Kenyan Drake: 11 Carries, 5 Yards | 1 Target

Patrick Ricard: 1 Carry | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 20 Yards

Even with the loss of JK Dobbins for the next several weeks, the Ravens have a stable of running backs ready to step in and help the team do what they do best. After a stellar Week 6, Kenyan Drake looked like option 1B as he received 12 designed touches. Those 12 designed touches resulted in not much of anything. It looks like Drake may have been a one-week wonder. Justice Hill was the change of pace back on the day and almost cost the Ravens the game as he coughed up a very bad fumble in the fourth quarter. Gus Edwards, or the one they call the Gus Bus, was activated by the Ravens and immediately stepped into an impactful role in this offense. The Ravens gave him the majority of touches out of the backfield as he rumbled his way to over four yards a carry and two scores on 17 designed touches. If he isn’t on your roster, he should be soon:

GUS BUS KEEPS ROLLING 🚌🚌

Tune in on CBS! @GodsGiftGus13 pic.twitter.com/7WyrMVBom0

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 23, 2022

Wide Receiver/Tight End

Rashod Bateman: 5 Targets, 4 Receptions, 42 Yards

Devin Duvernay: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 42 Yards

Mark Andrews: 1 Carry, 4 Yards | 2 Targets

Isaiah Likely: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 16 Yards

Josh Oliver: 1 Target

With only 16 passing attempts and nine completions, the ceiling for Ravens pass-catchers was lower than usual. If I would’ve told you Mark Andrews would’ve been basically blanked this game, you probably would’ve laughed at me. But, here we are! Andrews drew a pass interference call on one of his targets while the other was defended well by the Browns. Considering the season Andrews has had as well as how poor the Browns’ defense has played, this was a major surprise. Josh Oliver was targeted once in the red zone and dropped a score on a well-defended play. Isaiah Likely was targeted a single time and brought it in for 16 yards.

Rashod Bateman returned from a two-week absence as he lead the Ravens in targets and receptions while tying for yardage. He wasn’t regularly involved, but not many receivers were. Devin Duvernay continues to make plays in this offense even with minimal volume. He also adds utility as a very talented kick returner each week. In a higher-volume offense, Duvernay has the skills to be a fantasy asset but right now does not have the touches to consistently produce in fantasy football. Duvernay simply roasted his coverage off the line as he brought in this target to set an early tone for the Ravens: