OTL: Week 11 Quarterback Preview – Jackson vs. Gabriel

Jackson and Ravens Offense Searching for Success

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense have certainly struggled at times in a multitude of aspects throughout the season. Whether it was costly turnovers early in the year, the lack of scoring in Lamar’s absence, or the consistent red zone problems, Baltimore’s offense has not flown efficiently. The Ravens rank 21st in the league in yards per game (338.0), a far cry removed from their league-leading 424.9 YPG in 2024.

A matchup Sunday against the NFL’s 2nd-ranked defense – and one that’s given them fits in the past – will only make things harder in Baltimore’s search for success. It’s no small task, as the Browns enter Week 11 tied for 6th in the league in sacks (27). The Ravens’ offensive line has allowed 11 sacks this season, including a team-high three sacks allowed from left tackle Ronnie Stanley. Getting the ball out quickly will be key for Jackson this week. He’s been very efficient in such pass attempts, going 21 of 29 for 198 yards and a touchdown on quick passes since returning in Week 9. Historically, he’s had success in the air against the Browns, especially on the road, throwing for 893 yards, eight touchdowns, 0 interceptions, and a 115.5 passer rating in five starts in Cleveland.

It could be the perfect week for the Jackson-Zay Flowers connection, as Rashod Bateman is expected to miss some time due to an ankle sprain. Flowers leads the Ravens in underneath route receptions (passes under 10 yards), with 36 for 291 yards and his lone touchdown on the season. Flowers’ ability to turn nothing into something is a crucial part of his game, gaining more yards after catch than expected on 50% of his underneath routes, according to NFL Pro. After literally and figuratively “dropping” a win in Cleveland last season, Baltimore looks ready to right the ship.

Currently riding a three-game winning streak and just a game back in the AFC North, the postseason looks more in reach than it has in weeks. Week 11’s matchup in Cleveland will be just the second divisional game of the season for Jackson and the Ravens. Sitting just behind Pittsburgh, Baltimore’s best path to the postseason will be to stack wins within the division.

Gabriel Gets Real AFC North Test vs. a Red Hot Ravens Defense

There’s been plenty to talk about regarding the Cleveland Browns quarterback room, dating back to selecting two quarterbacks just rounds apart in this past April’s draft, to trading Joe Flacco to a division rival mid-season. It hasn’t been a season to remember in Cleveland so far, and there are still eight games remaining on their schedule.

Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel hasn’t been anything out of this world this season, but the third-round selection has done a solid job of “managing” the game. He enters Week 11 with 869 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and just two interceptions, but only on a 58.6% completion percentage. The Browns have lost four of Gabriel’s five starts since he took over in Week 5 for the veteran and now Bengal, Flacco.

The main focus for the Ravens’ defense is simple: get pressure on Gabriel.

Unfortunately, that hasn’t come easily for Baltimore this year. According to NFL Pro, Cleveland’s offensive line has allowed the 2nd-highest pressure rate in the NFL this season, at 42.2%. The Ravens, however, enter Week 11 with the 4th-lowest pressure rate this season (27.4%), averaging just 11.2 pressures per game.

Building some momentum last week in his Ravens debut, Dre’Mont Jones could have a larger role in his second game with his new squad. Jones recorded four total quarterback pressures in the Ravens’ win over the Vikings, his second-highest total of the season. The Browns have allowed 20 sacks and 147 total pressures over just nine games, with tackle Cornelius Lucas ranking 6th with 29 pressures surrendered. It could be a great opportunity for the Ravens pass rush to gain some much-needed confidence, as Baltimore enters tied for last in the league in sacks, with 12.

It’ll be Gabriel’s second appearance against the Ravens, but just his first career start against the AFC North favorite. They’re calling for some pretty serious wind in Cleveland on Sunday, which could limit the passing game.

If they can force the Browns to the air, Baltimore’s pass-rush could give the rookie quarterback a real “Welcome to the NFL” game.

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