Vickers readies for Ravens

09.23.2009

Since being selected in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL draft, Browns fullback Lawrence Vickers has blocked against some of the NFL's most physical, stingy run defenses. Sunday's game in Baltimore will not be any different.

The Ravens have not allowed a 100-yard rusher since they gave up 120 to Kansas City's Larry Johnson on December 10, 2006. The streak of holding opposing running backs to less than 100 yards now stands at 37 games.

The 100-yard rushing mark has been eclipsed 300 times since Johnson's exploits in 2006. Through two games this season, the Ravens are giving up a league-low 41 rush yards-per-game.

"They have multiple fronts," said Vickers. "They do a lot of things to switch them out from four down to three down. You have to be able to adjust because their defense does so many things. Some of the things they do, it goes against the grain. Sometimes, they're out of sync, but it's a good play and you don't even know it.

"They make you want to sit back on your heels and pass the ball," he added. "Their main concern is, ‘You're not going to run the ball against us. You're going to pass. If you do pass it, we're going to pressure you. If you pick the pressure up, good things happen. If you don't, (we'll) continue to bring more and more pressure.'"

The Ravens' 3-4 defense is physical and will present a challenge. Ends Haloti Ngata and Trevor Pryce combined with nose tackle Kelly Gregg average 6-foot-3, 316.6 pounds. They use their size and speed to open gaps for the linebackers and secondary to blitz.

The Ravens have three Pro Bowlers, linebackers Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs and free safety Ed Reed, back from last year.

Though they are experienced and continuously bring heavy pressure, there are signs that point to where and when a Ravens rush could be coming.

"Recognizing is knowing what front they're in, what's the front they like to blitz from and what personnel you're in also," Vickers said. "If it's third-and-deep, they might just play coverage because they can get pressure with their front guys.

"If it's a third-and-medium to short, they're going to bring pressure and make you get the ball away quick," he continued. "If you can pick the blitz up, it could be a good thing. If not, it's going to be a bad day for you."

The Browns offense has to communicate effectively on Sunday afternoon because Baltimore uses its home field advantage better than almost every team in the NFL.

Since the 2000 season, only the Patriots have a better home record. The Ravens are 53-20, while the Patriots are 54-19. In home games going back to the 2003 season, the Ravens are 13-5 against AFC North foes. They are 3-1 over their last four home games within the division.

The Browns are 3-7 against the Ravens in Baltimore. Their last win against the Ravens came in Baltimore on November 18, 2007. The 33-30 overtime victory was the Browns' first in Baltimore since 2002.