Baltimore Ravens face adversity as Ben Cleveland receives suspension
The Baltimore Ravens are grappling with a wave of challenges as they navigate a turbulent period following their impressive recovery from a dismal 1-5 start to the season. Just a day after suffering a narrow 27-22 defeat against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14, the franchise was dealt another blow with the NFL’s announcement of a three-game suspension for backup guard Ben Cleveland due to a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. In the recent loss to Pittsburgh, Cleveland was merely a healthy scratch, but his absence will now be felt more acutely.
Cleveland’s Troubling Offseason and Impact on Team
This suspension follows a troubling offseason for Cleveland, who was arrested and charged with DUI. He subsequently reached a plea deal, resulting in probation for his actions. Throughout the current season, Cleveland has participated in 10 games, contributing minimally with three snaps on offense and 47 on special teams. His experience will be missed as the Ravens enter a critical stretch of the season.
Offensive Line Depth in Jeopardy
With Cleveland’s suspension, the Ravens find themselves in a precarious position regarding their offensive line depth. The team has already faced numerous challenges in this area, and losing Cleveland exacerbates the situation further. Although the tackle positions and center seem stable, the guard spots have come under significant scrutiny. This was evident during the game against the Steelers, where Daniel Faalele’s performance led to a heated exchange with quarterback Lamar Jackson, who opted to avoid the media following the game.
The Ravens now have limited options at guard. Alongside Faalele, the only other guard available is rookie Emory Jones Jr. Baltimore may be forced to elevate another offensive lineman from the practice squad or explore free agency for a temporary replacement. Cleveland’s absence is particularly impactful given his NFL experience, having played in 64 career games with seven starts.
While some fans had been advocating for Jones to take over the starting role following the Steelers game, the Ravens may reconsider their strategy. The experience of Cleveland might prove essential as they tackle the most challenging segment of their schedule.
The Ravens are now left to navigate the next three games without Cleveland, a daunting task as they strive to maintain their footing during this crucial phase of the season.
