Outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney of the Baltimore Ravens didn’t wait until the end of the question.
No, Clowney shot back, he never explicitly stated that, at the conclusion of a disappointing 2022 season, he wanted to leave Cleveland. He actually feels that he left the Browns on a “high” and has no ill will toward the team he spent the previous two seasons playing for. Though it’s unlikely that many of the supporters who will fill Cleveland Browns Stadium on Sunday will share his sentiments, Clowney isn’t too concerned about that right now.
He declared, “I’m starting a new year right now.” “It doesn’t matter what transpired the previous year. I currently play for the Baltimore Ravens.
Clowney does not want the Ravens and Browns’ pivotal AFC North game on Sunday to revolve around him. However, in some respects, it is. If nothing else, his comeback to the Dawg Pound provides a juicy undercurrent in a game between two 2-1 teams fighting for the top spot in the division.
The 30-year-old not only had a turbulent departure from Cleveland (the team sent him home prior to its Week 18 match after he was cited making disparaging remarks about the group), but he also makes his return at a pivotal juncture in Baltimore’s defensive scheme.
In mid-training camp, Clowney inked a one-year, incentive-laden $2.5 million contract with the Ravens, which was seen as a wise, low-cost addition to add some depth and experience at a position where the team was in need of both. Clowney is among the remaining outside linebackers six weeks later.
With a knee injury, Tyus Bowser, the expected starter at weak-side linebacker, is still listed as reserve/non-football injured. Due to an ankle sprain, starting rush linebacker Odafe Oweh will probably miss his second straight game on Sunday. It’s unclear what will happen to David Ojabo, who started Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts in lieu of Oweh due to knee and ankle injuries. Malik Hamm, an undrafted rookie, is another possible depth option, but he is on injured reserve.
The Ravens’ outside linebacker group against the Colts was essentially made up of Clowney, rookie Tavius Robinson (drafted in the fourth round), and second-year undrafted rookie Jeremiah Moon (drafted), who was playing in his first NFL regular season. Naturally, Clowney will have to lead the way against a team he is familiar with as well as quarterback Deshaun Watson, a close friend from their time spent together in Cleveland and Houston.
“After practice on Wednesday, I don’t think I really need any extra motivation,” Clowney remarked. This is a divisional match. Many of the boys over there have my utmost respect. Many friends are over there. I wish them the best, but not against us.
