Mailbag: Can defense stop Lamar Jackson like it did Joe Burrow?

Q: It was stunning to watch the Browns smother Joe Burrow & Ja'Marr Chase last week. What might Lamar Jackson try to do differently, if anything, to find a crack or two in what's beginning to look like a truly great Browns defense?— John PalazzoA: The Bengals and Ravens are so different, this will be a stern test for the Browns defense. Jackson's running ability can take away a defense's aggressiveness, which gives him more time to operate in the pocket. The pass rushers have to work as a unit and be careful not to get out of their lanes. If they err, Jackson can slip through the crack and go 80 yards. Myles Garrett mentioned the importance of taking Jackson to the ground when the chance presents itself, as opposed to worrying about him throwing on the move.Browns-Ravens Preview: 3 things to watch, 3 key numbers, the predictionThe other key will be making sure Derrick Henry doesn't dominate on the ground. If Henry is gashing them up the middle, the Browns will have no shot at slowing down the Ravens' high-powered offense.Q: This O-line has a track record of being excellent, but they did not look good last week. Think that's a one game fluke and they'll start to right the ship? Or is this now an underwhelming line and a storyline to watch?— @ideashiftA: An important question.I believe the line is too experienced and talented to consistently play that poorly. I also believe the coaching staff will make some necessary adjustments.30 years later, Ravens celebrate as Browns fans suffer and players try to exact revengeHaving said that, the age of the line does create doubt. Everyone but Dawand Jones is at least 30 years old. And Jones struggled in the opener as the left tackle experiment continues. He needs to play better for the line to be truly good, but I think the other four guys will improve enough to where the line is at least solid.I talked to Joe Thomas recently about Jones and the age of the line and he's convinced neither will be a problem.Q: Please rank, with 1 being the most, who is responsible for the results of the last 5 years, and the current state of the team: Jimmy Haslam, Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski.— Ryan from AshtabulaA: Haslam, Berry, Stefanski.The owner sets the tone for everything, so the buck needs to stop there. Plus, the Haslams' tenure as owners got off to such a bad start, Berry and Stefanski had a lot of repair work to do when they arrived. Finally, Haslam either led or signed off on the disastrous Deshaun Watson trade and contract.Notes: Former teammates in Baltimore remain big fans of Joe FlaccoBerry's role in the Watson deal and his subpar draft record — this year is too early to judge — puts him next on the list. The salary cap issues are on him, as well as the failure to land a franchise quarterback.I think Stefanski has done a good job overall and believe he can win consistently if given the talent, especially at quarterback.Q: What's going on with Quinshon Judkins in the drill you posted video of?— A bunch of peopleA: I'm using this platform to address a topic that prompted a lot of discussion on my X feed.In Judkins' first practice back with the team Thursday, I posted a video of him running in place and shuffling while carrying a 35-pound bag. The rest of the running backs did the same drill, but I focused only on Judkins. It's a hard drill that coach Duce Staley likes and the backs don't. It's supposed to improve conditioning and blitz pickup.Judkins didn't have great technique. The bag is supposed to be held parallel to the ground and in front of his chest but dropped too low. I'm sure Staley would've also preferred quicker feet. But it was Judkins' first practice since June.Q: The players all have playlists for getting fired up. What is on your pregame playlist? Related: Did @twithersCLEconvince you to hit the Deftones concert with him?— @ideashiftA: I'm boring. I just show up and work. Maybe I should try listening to some Springsteen or Red Hot Chili Peppers. Could take my writing to a whole new level.And, no, I didn't get that invite. Not sure I could've handled that show.The post Mailbag: Can defense stop Lamar Jackson like it did Joe Burrow? first appeared on BrownsZone with Scott Petrak.