The Cleveland Browns enter their pivotal Week 18 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens with a playoff spot on the line and questions still swirling around the team’s future. As Cleveland pushes for postseason relevance, three crucial questions loom large, with the most notable being whether **Myles Garrett** can cap off an incredible season by leading the NFL in sacks. Beyond Garrett’s individual pursuit of greatness, there are other team-oriented queries that need to be addressed in this high-stakes game at **M&T Bank Stadium**.
With Cleveland’s defense playing at a high level and their offense still working to find consistency, the Browns face a Ravens team that has also been tough to beat this season. As both teams battle for positioning, here’s a breakdown of the three key questions Cleveland must answer in Week 18, starting with Garrett’s pursuit of a sack title.
### 1. Can Myles Garrett Lead the NFL in Sacks?
**Myles Garrett** has been nothing short of a force this season, putting together one of the best individual defensive campaigns in the NFL. As of now, Garrett is within striking distance of the NFL sack leader title, with **Nick Bosa** of the San Francisco 49ers and **Chris Jones** of the Kansas City Chiefs currently ahead of him. With Week 18 upon us and Garrett sitting comfortably among the top sack artists, the question remains: can he finish the season as the league’s leader?
Garrett’s sack total heading into Week 18 is impressive by any standard—hovering around the 16-sack mark—placing him in the conversation with some of the best edge rushers in the game. But with Bosa (18.5 sacks) and Jones (17.5 sacks) ahead of him, Garrett will need a big performance against the Ravens to push himself to the top of the leaderboard.
#### Why It’s Possible for Garrett
First and foremost, Garrett’s performance this season has shown he can step up in big moments. He’s already notched multiple multi-sack games and had some dominant performances against elite quarterbacks, including **Joe Burrow** and **Justin Herbert**. Garrett’s combination of speed, strength, and versatility allows him to beat offensive linemen in numerous ways, and he has a knack for coming up with key sacks at critical moments.
Against the Ravens, Garrett will face an offensive line that has been banged up throughout the year and a quarterback in **Lamar Jackson** who is capable of making plays with his legs but also takes risks in the pocket. If Garrett can get a clean shot on Jackson or disrupt passing lanes, it could be a huge opportunity for him to add to his sack total. Baltimore’s offensive line has struggled at times with both pass protection and communication, which should give Garrett chances to make a difference.
#### The Stakes for Garrett’s Legacy
Garrett’s bid for the sack title isn’t just about finishing as the league leader for one season. It’s about securing his place as one of the premier edge rushers in the NFL. With players like Bosa and Jones being household names, Garrett’s ability to dethrone them would further elevate his stature and likely set him up for additional accolades, including All-Pro selections and possibly even NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors.
### 2. Can the Browns Offense Handle the Ravens’ Defense?
While Garrett’s pursuit of the sack title may be the headline story, the Browns’ offense faces a critical test against a Ravens defense that has been elite throughout the season. Baltimore’s defense, led by **Roquan Smith** and **Marlon Humphrey**, has been effective in stopping both the run and the pass, making it tough for opposing offenses to gain consistent yardage.
The Browns’ offense, led by **Deshaun Watson**, has shown flashes of brilliance, but it has been inconsistent throughout the season. Watson has struggled to regain his full form after his suspension, and the Browns’ passing game has often lacked rhythm. This issue will be even more pronounced against the Ravens, whose defense thrives on pressuring the quarterback and forcing turnovers.
#### The Importance of Watson’s Play
For the Browns to move the ball and score against a tough Ravens defense, Watson will need to find a way to beat Baltimore’s aggressive secondary and front seven. This won’t be easy, as **Roquan Smith** has been excellent in run support, and **Marlon Humphrey** can shut down top receivers. Watson’s ability to connect with **Amari Cooper**, **Donovan Peoples-Jones**, and **David Njoku** will be vital. At the same time, the Browns’ offensive line must protect Watson long enough to allow plays to develop.
Additionally, Cleveland must find success in the run game, as **Nick Chubb** is one of the best in the business. If the Browns can establish the ground game, it will open up play-action opportunities, which could be critical in breaking down the Ravens’ defense.
#### Keys to the Offensive Success
– **Quick release and decision-making**: Watson must improve his ability to read the defense quickly and release the ball under pressure.
– **Protection up front**: Cleveland’s offensive line, particularly the tackles, must hold up against a powerful Ravens pass rush.
– **Chubb’s effectiveness**: The running back must establish early yards and keep the Ravens’ defense honest.
If Watson and the offense can successfully execute in these areas, they have a chance to keep pace with Baltimore’s offense and possibly even steal a win on the road.
### 3. Will the Browns’ Secondary Contain Lamar Jackson?
**Lamar Jackson** is arguably one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL, capable of both breaking open a game with his legs and making explosive plays in the passing game. For the Browns, the question is not just whether they can sack him (thanks to Garrett’s pressure) but whether they can contain him in the secondary.
Cleveland’s secondary has been solid this season, with players like **Denzel Ward** and **Greg Newsome** stepping up in coverage. However, Jackson’s ability to make pinpoint throws while on the move, combined with his ability to extend plays with his legs, makes him a nightmare for even the best secondaries. The Browns’ cornerbacks and safeties will have to be disciplined and aware of both Jackson’s passing and rushing capabilities.
#### The Matchup Against the Ravens’ Receivers
While Jackson’s favorite target, **Mark Andrews**, is often a focal point of the passing game, the Browns’ secondary has proven to be resilient against tight ends and capable of matching up in man coverage. However, with other receivers like **Rashod Bateman** and **Devin Duvernay** potentially making an impact, the Browns will need to be ready for every part of the Ravens’ diverse offensive attack.
Cleveland’s defense has been formidable at times this season, but they’ve also been prone to breakdowns, particularly in critical third-down situations. They will need to limit Jackson’s scrambling ability and force him to beat them from the pocket, which is where the defense has its best shot at success.
### Conclusion
As the Cleveland Browns head into their Week 18 showdown with the Baltimore Ravens, they must answer three key questions to keep their playoff hopes alive. **Myles Garrett** has the opportunity to finish the season as the NFL’s sack leader, but that will require a dominant performance against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offensive line. Meanwhile, the Browns’ offense must find ways to solve the Ravens’ tough defense, particularly through better play from **Deshaun Watson** and a commitment to the run game with **Nick Chubb**. Finally, Cleveland’s secondary must rise to the challenge of containing Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat abilities.
The answers to these questions will not only determine the outcome of the game but could also shape the Browns’ future heading into the postseason. With everything on the line, Week 18 is set to be a thrilling contest between two of the NFL’s most talented and dangerous teams. Can Garrett lead the charge to victory? Only time will tell.