Previewing the Ravens-Packers game
The Ravens got good news this week with inside linebacker Jameel McClain being medically cleared from a bruised spine. That could help the run defense down the road.
There’s another development in play, though.
Rookie weak-side linebacker Arthur Brown was up to 23 snaps defensively against the Dolphins and had a nice open-field tackle after he quickly diagnosed a screen play.
The second-round draft pick is getting healthier since straining his left pectoral against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2, and is starting to cut into starter Josh Bynes’ playing time. The biggest thing Brown has to overcome is a lack of ideal size. He fluctuates between 227 and 230 pounds, and his injury has limited his ability to lift weights.
“He seems to be playing pretty well,” defensive coordinator Dean Pees said. “He’s coming along as a rookie. I think we’ve been trying to kind of slow things down at the beginning of the year, and then we had to slow things down when he got hurt. I think he’s really starting to pick things up [and] starting to understand.
“The other thing that’s really helping Arthur Brown, too, is the fact that Daryl Smith ... the more he understands, the more he can help the linebacker beside him. There are some times he’s very helpful in telling [Brown] what to do, and they’re on the same page. Really, we have two guys in there who don’t really have a lot of experience in our defense. You’ve got an experienced player and a rookie, but not a lot of experience in our defense. And I think the more those guys play together, the better it is.” (Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore Sun)
Baltimore Sun
As the Ravens (3-2) prepare for the Green Bay Packers (2-2) on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium, here’s Baltimore Sun reporter Aaron Wilson’s checklist of key areas and players to keep an eye on.
Ravens offensive tackle Eugene Monroe is set to make his starting debut Sunday. He has the good fortune of not having to block star Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews.
Monroe appears to be in excellent shape and should be a major upgrade over Bryant McKinnie, who had another poor game against the Miami Dolphins.
Monroe is younger, lighter and more athletic than the 34-year-old McKinnie, who has struggled since signing a two-year, $6.3 million contract in the spring.
While his knowledge of the playbook could be an obstacle, Monroe should be able to wall off pass rushers and create more push for the running game. Better play from the left tackle position should help the NFL’s 21st-ranked offense.
“He’s worked extremely hard,” offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell said. “He’s been grinding since he’s stepped in the door. He’s working, he’s got a feel for things, and I think he’s making really good progress.” (Kevin Richardson / Baltimore Sun)
