I am starting early to mentally prepare myself for the Sunday, December 4 game between the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens. It will perhaps be the most difficult challenge of the season as the “Old Browns” take on the current expansion version of the Cleveland Browns franchise.

It is always difficult for me when the Ravens come to town. I can still remember that dreadful day back on November 6, 1995 when Art Modell announced he was moving the franchise to Baltimore to begin play in 1996. 16 years later, I am still agitated at least twice a year.

I am fearful for quarterback Colt McCoy(notes) this week. McCoy has been sacked 26 times this season largely due to a weak offensive line and will face off against a rabid Baltimore defense led by Ray Lewis(notes), Terrell Suggs(notes), and Ed Reed(notes). In their last game against the San Francisco 49ers, Alex Smith was sacked nine times. I am just hoping McCoy can come out alive, especially facing the Pittsburgh Steelers next week.

McCoy’s best target this week is rookie WR Greg Little(notes) who leads the team with 47 receptions and 495 yards. My concern here is that he may have inherited Braylon Edwards(notes) Syndrome having dropped a total of four passes last week against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Known for ego issues during his college years at North Carolina, Little has shown maturity in his time with the Cleveland Browns making no excuses for his performance.

“Obviously, I was definitely upset at my performance,” Little said. “I took the time to cool off. I play with a high passion and high emotion. I got dressed and figured everybody would come up to me at once. Nobody showed up. I kind of left a little earlier than I usually do.”

He will need to be able to catch the quick throw this week as the Ravens’ will be coming at McCoy hard this week.

With Peyton Hillis(notes) back in action and Chris Ogbonnaya(notes) having a great season since joining the Browns, the running game will play a key role in protecting McCoy. One, if not both will need to step up and be able to move the ball.

On the defensive side of the ball LB Titus Brown(notes) will need to step up against Raven’s RB Ray Rice(notes). Scott Fujita’s(notes) injury could not have come at a worse time.

CB Joe Haden(notes) should be able to handle Anquan Boldin(notes).

As optimistic as I try to be regarding my beloved Cleveland Browns, all I am asking for this week is competitive football. Mistakes happen every game, but with the Browns already grossly overmatched in this contest, flawless execution will be the only thing able to keep the game competitive. Perhaps they will even surprise the world and pull off a win. That may be asking too much.

More Cleveland Browns Commentary from this Contributor:

Cleveland Browns release Pro Bowl veteran Pontbriand in favor of rookie Yount: A fan’s reaction

Fan’s look: Who is Peyton Hillis anyway?

Cleveland Browns’ fans deserve better: A fan’s take

Browns fall to Rams, hit an all-new low: A fan’s reaction

Browns must win against Rams or face fan exile: A fan’s take

Sources:

All data provided by NFL.com

Yahoo! Sports – Cleveland Browns Team Report