Former NFL defensive end Chris Long has a few changes he would make to the Baltimore Ravens offensive line.
Among them is Ben Cleveland, the fourth-year backup goalie whose benching this season is suddenly in the spotlight.
With converted right guard Daniel Faalele struggling during the Ravens’ 0-2 start to the season, some fans and analysts have called for the Ravens to play Cleveland.
When asked if he would play against Cleveland, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh had a blunt answer, saying Cleveland didn’t “earn” the job over Faalele.
“Ben knows what he has to do,” Harbaugh told reporters. “If he wants playing time, he knows how he has to play and how he has to practice when he gets the opportunity.
“Our current assessment is that Daniel has outperformed Ben.”
Cleveland has started seven games over the past three seasons but has yet to play this year. Cleveland has played well in recent years when he has been called upon to play, posting a solid Pro Football Focus grade last season when he started in Weeks 17 and 18.
In addition to requesting that new right tackle Roger Rosengarten play in place of veteran Patrick Mekari, Long expressed confusion. on his podcast “Green Light” why cleveland isn’t playing.
“I don’t know who Ben Cleveland hit the baby on, but the guy knows how to play,” Long said. “So what’s going on? I know he talked about injuries and trades in the preseason. But you’re 0-2, you don’t have time to bring a starting right guard with you.” [Faalele] “He can get another chance when he’s ready. If the best players on the right side of the line are the younger ones, play the younger ones.”
It’s worth noting that Cleveland was drafted in 2021, a year before Faalele.
Cleveland responded to Harbaugh’s comments Thursday, saying he felt he was consistent and productive during training camp. As Long mentioned, Cleveland said he didn’t get many snaps at right guard during training camp because he filled in at center when starter Tyler Linderbaum was injured.
Harbaugh told reporters he would reevaluate everything, including the offensive line. He suggested Friday he might try players at different positions along the line.
Cleveland may not be a perfect fit on the offensive line, but it could be worth a try to avoid an 0-3 start to the season.
Check out Long’s comments below:
Chris Long on the state of the Ravens offensive line
“If I were Harbaugh, I’d definitely put Rosengarten… and at RG, I don’t know who little Ben Cleveland hit, but that guy can play… if the best guys are the youngest, play the youngest.” pic.twitter.com/CDT7FXQ8jw
– Kévin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) September 20, 2024
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