CLEVELAND, Ohio — As the Cleveland Browns prepare to face Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday, one matchup stands above the rest: rookie sensation Carson Schwesinger squaring off against one of the NFL’s most electric playmakers. The latest episode of the Orange and Brown Talk podcast dives deep into this fascinating chess match that could determine whether the Browns can pull off an upset.
Schwesinger has been nothing short of phenomenal for Cleveland, earning effusive praise from the coaching staff and emerging as a legitimate Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate. Browns beat reporter Ashley Bastock highlighted his rapid ascension during the podcast: “I’m curious to see how Carson Schwesinger looks in this game because he has just been playing so well. I mean, nothing but praise from Kevin Stefanski and Jim Schwartz. The Browns clearly lobbying for him to get some consideration for the Defensive Rookie of the Year at this point.”
What makes this matchup so compelling is that Schwesinger won’t be facing just any quarterback — he’ll be tasked with containing perhaps the most unique dual-threat talent in the league. Orange and Brown Talk host Dan Labbe emphasized the singular challenge Jackson presents: “I still don’t think there’s anyone like Lamar Jackson though, just the way he runs, the way he keeps plays alive, he’s always looking downfield. Now he’s gotten so good as a passer, so that combination, I just don’t think there’s anyone quite like Lamar Jackson. And so for Carson Schwesinger to once again have this assignment, it’s a big deal.”
The podcast features expert analysis from film analyst Lance Reisland, who broke down exactly why Schwesinger might be the perfect counter to Jackson’s extraordinary athleticism. According to Reisland, it’s not about matching Jackson’s speed — it’s about having the specific physical tools to close space quickly: “What you need for a spy is you need short area burst. You’re not running next to Lamar Jackson. You have to create an angle and burst, that short area burst. I think him, and JOK Dealt it as well, they’re made for that.”
What makes Schwesinger’s meteoric rise so remarkable is the speed with which he’s adapted to the NFL level. While many rookie linebackers struggle with the mental aspects of the pro game, Schwesinger has shown the instincts and football IQ of a veteran. The podcast discussion highlighted how even a previous Browns defensive stalwarts like Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah required significant development time before reaching his potential.
This showdown takes on additional significance as Schwesinger isn’t the only standout rookie defender who’ll be on the field Sunday. The Ravens counter with safety Malachi Starks, another Defensive Rookie of the Year contender who has already recorded at least 50 tackles and two interceptions this season. This creates “a little battle within the battle” that adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling matchup.
For the Browns to have any chance of containing the Ravens’ explosive offense, Schwesinger will need to continue his disruptive play. As the podcast analysis revealed, Cleveland’s defensive scheme appears specifically designed to limit Jackson’s effectiveness, with Schwesinger now stepping into the crucial “spy” role previously occupied by Owusu-Koramoah.
Will the rookie rise to the occasion against one of the NFL’s most dynamic playmakers? Or will Jackson’s experience and extraordinary talent prove too much? Tune into the complete Orange and Brown Talk podcast for the full breakdown of this critical matchup and all the keys to Sunday’s AFC North showdown.
Here’s the latest podcast:
Listen and subscribe to the Orange and Brown Talk podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Football Insider newsletter free trial: Take a minute and sign up for a free trial of our Football Insider newsletter, featuring exclusive content from cleveland.com's Browns reporters.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.