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Wednesday, September 22
Updated: September 23, 10:58 AM ET
 
Baxter Bits: Browns vs. Ravens

By Russell S. Baxter
Special to ESPN.com

The Browns make their first appearance in Baltimore since 1980 (to play the Colts) as these "franchises" square off for the first time ever.

Numbers: The Browns were limited to 40 total yards and two first downs (minus-7 total yards and 0 first downs in the second half) in their 43-0 loss to Pittsburgh in Week 1, committing 4 turnovers, running 28 plays from scrimmage and holding the ball for just 12:11. They rushed for just 9 yards on 9 attempts and allowed 3 sacks. The Browns have been limited to fewer than 200 total yards and allowed 400 or more total yards in each of their first 2 games in '99. Cleveland has allowed three or more sacks in each of their first two games in '99. They have not forced a turnover in either of their first two games in '99.

In his last 19 games dating back to '97, Ravens WR/KR Jermaine Lewis has caught 53 passes for 944 yards and 8 touchdowns, plus returned 4 punts for scores. The Ravens have scored 145 points in 6 wins, 154 points in 12 losses dating back to '98. They have committed 31 turnovers in their last 13 games dating back to '98.

Things To Look For: While the Browns' and Ravens' second encounter this year at Cleveland (November 7) will warrant the bigger headlines, emotions will still be running high for two teams looking for any semblance of offensive consistency. Baltimore head coach Brian Billick turns to young QB Stoney Case in hopes he can jumpstart the attack, and Cleveland's inexperienced defensive unit should provide little opposition.

Etc.: The Browns are 0-2 for the first time since 1992 (team was not in existence from 1996-98), while Ravens are 0-2 for the first time in franchise's 4-year history (1996-99). Since entering the NFL in 1996, Ravens are 6-19 vs. AFC Central rivals and 10-14-1 vs. the rest of the league.





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