- When & where: Sunday 1 p.m. in M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Md.
- Record: 2-0.
- Last game: Defeated Chargers, 31-26, Sept. 20, in San Diego.
- Coach: John Harbaugh, 15-6, second year.
- Series record: Ravens lead, 13-7.
- Last meeting: Ravens won, 37-27, Nov. 2, in Cleveland.
League rankings
Offense is third (fourth rushing, 13th passing), defense is 17th (first rushing, 29th passing) and turnover differential is zero.
Offensive overview
Coordinator Cam Cameron has more trust in quarterback Joe Flacco in their second year together. Despite an evident lack of a deep threat, Cameron is letting teams know they must respect Flacco's passing game. He's throwing more in the middle of the field, partly because tight end Todd Heap is healthy and playing like his Pro Bowl self.
Cameron is alternating backs Ray Rice (elusive, yet strong) and Willis McGahee (a slasher) and he'll still give the ball to bruising fullback Le'Ron McClain on occasion.
The offensive line makes everything go. The additions of veteran center Matt Birk and first-round draft pick Michael Oher (right tackle) have elevated the line to championship level. It's scary what this offense could be with one more piece to the puzzle -- an accomplished No. 1 wideout.
Over the last 13 games, they've scored more points than any team but New Orleans. And they're scored seven TDs in eight trips in the red zone so far this year.
Defensive overview
The incredible nucleus of top-line players is still there -- Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata, Trevor Pryce.
But new coordinator Greg Mattison, who succeeded Rex Ryan, has made at least two subtle changes. He blitzes less than Ryan (who doesn't?) and he's gravitated to more of a 4-3 look. Almost every player, either outside linebacker -- Suggs or Jarret Johnson -- will put his hand down in an end stance.
Otherwise, they're the same defense, showing confusing looks and, above all, stopping the run.
Their streak of 37 games without allowing a 100-yard rusher is the longest active. Since 1999, they've allowed 18 100-yard rushing games. (The Browns have allowed 18 100-yard rushing games over their last 32 games.)
Their one vulnerability is the secondary -- minus Reed -- where Fabian Washington and Domonique Foxworth, both under 6 feet, are very beatable.
Special teams overview
Kicker Steve Hauschka -- Matt Stover's replacement -- gives them better accuracy in the plus 40-yard range and saves a roster spot because he's a good kickoff man.
Punter Sam Koch is 23rd with a 42.2-yard gross average and 27th with a 36.1 net.
Return specialist Chris Carr, whom the Browns tried to sign in free agency, has not made an impact yet. He's averaging 25.3 yards on kickoffs and 3.5 on only two punts.
The coverage units are questionable, though opponents have fielded only one punt in two games for no yards.
Players to watch
Quarterback Joe Flacco: Tall with an elite arm and quick release, he didn't play like a rookie last year and now has 21 games experience, counting three in postseason. What's not to like?
Linebacker Ray Lewis: Embarking on his 14th NFL season, has any defensive superstar in recent memory had a longer "prime" of his career? He called his head-on, fourth-down stop of San Diego's Darren Sproles with the game on the line last week the best play he's ever made.
Safety Ed Reed: The premier ball hawk of his time, his 43 career interceptions are third among active players and he's just in his eighth NFL season. Seven picks and three of his six returns for touchdowns have come against the Browns.
Injury report
CB Fabian Washington (concussion) left the San Diego game.
TE L.J. Smith (hamstring) has not played the first two games.
Small world
-- A large number of Ravens executives and employees worked for the Browns owned by Art Modell prior to relocating to Baltimore, including General Manager Ozzie Newsome and Pat Moriarty, VP of football administration.
-- Ravens coaches who formerly coached with the Browns include secondary coach Chuck Pagano (2001-04), special teams coach Jerry Rosburg (2001-06) and assistant special teams coach Marwan Maalouf (2004-06).
-- Ravens QB Troy Smith is a native of Cleveland, attended Glenville High School and Ohio State.
-- Ravens S Haruki Nakamura is a native of Elyria and attended St. Edward High School.
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