The Browns are traveling to Baltimore to play the Ravens in their first road game of the season on Sept. 14 in Week 2.
A week after losing to the Bengals 17-16, the Browns have the chance to get into the win column and tally an early-season AFC North win against the 0-1 Ravens. In 2024, the Browns split the series against the Ravens, winning at home against Baltimore but losing on the road in the final week of the season.
As the Browns get ready to travel to Baltimore, here are three keys to the game.
Stop RB Derrick Henry
In the backfield for Baltimore is a 6-foot-2, 252-pound running back who Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said has a unique blend of speed, power and size. In Week 1 against Buffalo, RB Derrick Henry ran for 169 yards and scored two touchdowns, both on runs of 30 yards or longer.
Henry had 211 yards in his two games against Cleveland last season, including 138 yards and two touchdowns in Week 18. However, in Henry's first game in Cleveland in Week 8, he was held to 73 rushing yards, his fifth-lowest rushing output last season.
On Sept. 14, the Browns can't rely on one person to take down Henry. They need to track him down in droves, not allowing him to push off defenders and gain yards after contact.
That begins at the defensive line with players like DE Myles Garrett and DT Maliek Collins sealing the outside and inside of the trenches, not allowing Henry an open running lane. In the event a lane does open up, their linebackers will need to stop Henry before he does any more damage. Against Buffalo, Henry averaged 9.4 yards per carry, nearly getting a first down every time he ran the ball.
"Here's the thing, we need to be physical on our defensive line and at our linebacker level, because you have an extremely strong, extremely big running back that can go North-South," defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said. "And look what happened to Buffalo a few times with just giving up those North-South lanes, and you give that guy a head of steam it's tough on your defense."
Establish the run game
While Cleveland's defense will be trying to stop Baltimore's run game, the Browns' offense needs to establish the run game. In Week 1 against Cincinnati, the Browns were limited to 49 rushing yards in the game, getting two yards per carry.
G Joel Bitonio said that the offensive line missed some assignments and didn't get hats on hats, leading to the running lanes getting congested. As a result, running backs like Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson couldn't get past the second level and the Browns longest run of the day ended up being five yards.
Against Baltimore, not allowing defensive linemen to go unblocked is crucial. The Ravens' defense allowed 3.5 yards per carry against the Bills in Week 1, picking up where they left off last year with their run defense. Last season, the Ravens allowed a league-low 80.9 rushing yards per game.
Baltimore's run defense will give Cleveland a challenge if the offensive line can't open up lanes for the running backs. The run game needs to be successful to help the offense open up and make the defense focus on both the run and the pass game.
"For us to play well, we have to be able to run the ball better than we did in week one. We have to perform better as players," Stefanski said. "We have to give them a better plan. As coaches, you need to strain a little bit more. You have to use technique a little bit more. It's all the little things that add up to being a big thing when you talk about having rushing success."
Browse photos of the Cleveland Browns practicing at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus as they prepare for their Week 2 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Tight end Blake Whiteheart (86) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) and Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (16) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (42) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio (54) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Running back Ahmani Marshall (39) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio (54) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Linebacker Jerome Baker (17) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (16) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Defensive Assistant Zach Dunn during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Offensive lineman Garrett Dellinger (52) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Tight end Brenden Bates (82) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Tight end Blake Whiteheart (86) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Safety Rayshawn Jenkins (5) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Tight end Brenden Bates (82) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Quarterback Bailey Zappe (11) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio (54) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Defensive back Jarrick Bernard-Converse (20) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Center Luke Wypler (56) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Linebacker Jerome Baker (17) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Assistant Offensive Line Coach Ben Wilkerson during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio (54) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Offensive lineman Garrett Dellinger (52) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Defensive back Jarrick Bernard-Converse (20) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 10, 2025.
Defensive end K.J. Henry (58) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Quarterback Bailey Zappe (11) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Center Luke Wypler (56) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on September 11, 2025.
Win the turnover battle
Although the Ravens lost their Week 1 game, they put 40 points on the board and showcased their high-powered offense. In Week 2, the Browns will need to limit the opportunities of the Ravens' offense by forcing them to turn the ball over.
Baltimore was up 40-32 against the Bills with 3:10 left in the fourth quarter when the Bills' defense forced Henry to fumble, giving the ball back to Buffalo. The Bills went down and scored to get within two points before they eventually kicked a field goal to win 41-40. The turnover played a factor in the win, stopping the Ravens from running the clock down.
Takeaways were a rare occurrence for the Ravens last season, turning the ball over 11 times in 2024 and seldom giving opponents extra possessions. This season, the Browns' defense has made it one of their goals to increase their takeaways, especially their interceptions, after having four interceptions and 12 total takeaways in the 2024 season. After not getting one against the Bengals in Week 1, the Browns' defense is aiming to make the Ravens' offense make a mistake in Week 2.
"In general, just getting takeaways is tough but we have to find a way to take it away," CB Denzel Ward said. "As good as we play, there's still more things that we could get better at and one of those areas is takeaways. We played well, played decent in this past game, but we have to take that ball, so we didn't play good enough."
By getting takeaways, it helps the Browns win the turnover battle; however, winning the battle also takes the Browns' offense playing a clean game as well. Giving the Ravens extra possessions, especially a Ravens' offense that averaged more than 30 points per game in 2024, is important for the Browns to keep or take the lead.
In Week 1, QB Joe Flacco threw two interceptions – one in the third quarter and the second with less than two minutes left in the fourth quarter that ended their final offensive drive. They know the importance of securing those passes to limit offensive giveaways, working throughout the week to correct those mistakes.
"We just got to continue to build the rhythm and the timing with the rest of the group," offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said. "That counts for Joe as well to make sure that we continue to build the rapport, to sync up some of those plays that are really close to hitting, that just found a way to not last Sunday."
