The Baltimore Ravens know that divisional games rarely unfold exactly as expected. A team can spend the week preparing for its opponent's biggest names only to find that a lesser-discussed player makes the decisive contribution. That is the challenge facing Baltimore as it prepares to face the Cleveland Browns, whose supporting cast includes several players capable of complicating the matchup.
From a receiver who can change a game with one opportunity to defensive contributors who can disrupt the Ravens' offense, Cleveland has options Baltimore cannot afford to overlook. The Browns also have a potential backfield change if Quinshon Judkins is limited, so Baltimore should prepare for more than one version of Cleveland's game plan.
Jerry Jeudy, wide receiver
Jerry Jeudy has already shown what he can accomplish in Cleveland. After falling out of favor with the Denver Broncos, he joined the Browns and earned a Pro Bowl selection in his first season. He hasn't been the focal point of Cleveland's offense this season, but his ability to create separation and make a game-changing play makes him dangerous whenever the ball comes his way.
The Ravens must avoid treating Jeudy as a secondary concern just because he hasn't commanded the offense's full attention. Baltimore's defensive backs will need to communicate through coverage adjustments, stay disciplined against his routes, and finish tackles when he gets the ball in space. One missed assignment could allow Jeudy to swing momentum in Cleveland's favor.
Raheim Sanders, running back
Raheim Sanders could become more important if Judkins is unavailable or unable to handle his usual workload. He has recorded nine carries for 43 yards this season, and Cleveland may need him to shoulder additional responsibility if Judkins has physical limitations.
That possibility complicates the Ravens' preparation. Baltimore must maintain its gap discipline and tackle consistently regardless of which running back is on the field. If Sanders receives more opportunities, the Ravens cannot assume Cleveland's rushing attack will lose its effectiveness simply because its workload is distributed differently.
Isaiah McGuire, defensive end
Isaiah McGuire has recorded 14 tackles, including four tackles for loss, and two sacks. Those numbers reflect his ability to disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage, making him a defender the Ravens' offensive line must account for when establishing the running game and protecting the quarterback.
Baltimore needs to identify McGuire's alignment and recognize where he could attack the pocket. Letting him penetrate the backfield could put the offense behind the chains, creating longer passing situations where Cleveland's defense can play more aggressively. Limiting those negative plays will be important to keeping the Ravens' offense on schedule.
Adin Huntington, EDGE
Adin Huntington has contributed 17 tackles and 1.5 sacks, giving Cleveland another option along its defensive front. His production adds to the challenge for an offensive line that must recognize multiple potential sources of pressure rather than concentrating exclusively on the Browns' best-known pass rushers.
The Ravens must communicate effectively and avoid allowing Huntington to win cleanly at the point of attack. Whether Cleveland uses him to pressure the quarterback or disrupt the ground game, Baltimore's ability to handle its assignments will help determine whether the offense can sustain drives.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, safety
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has recorded 22 tackles, including 11 solo stops, and two pass breakups. He provides Cleveland with useful depth at safety and has shown he can contribute both in tackling situations and against the pass.
For Baltimore, the challenge is figuring out where McNeil-Warren fits in Cleveland's coverage structure. The Ravens need to identify the defensive look before the snap, avoid forcing throws into crowded areas, and take advantage of openings when the Browns commit defenders elsewhere. Even a depth safety can influence a game if an offense misreads the coverage or allows him to make a play.
Cleveland's supporting cast may not receive the same attention as its headline players, but each of these five contributors offers a different way to complicate Baltimore's afternoon. The Ravens must stay disciplined, execute their assignments, and resist the temptation to overlook anyone who could turn a routine play into a pivotal moment.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Jerry Jeudy leads Browns' threats the Ravens cannot afford to overlook