The Browns continued preparing for the Ravens here in Berea. Here are a few notes from the Thursday practice.

-The Ravens defense doesn’t have the same gaudy stats that it’s had in the past but Coach Shurmur isn’t buying that this Ravens defense isn’t tough anymore, “I don’t know that.

 I watch them on tape and I watch the games for what they are and I see a very dynamic and explosive defense.

It’s a challenge to play against them which we saw the last time we played and then numbers can be deceiving. You’ve got to ultimately look at wins and losses and there are times where you’re giving up yards and you’re not giving up points. I don’t put much stock in that. I think they’re a good defense.”

-Phil Taylor will play his first game of the season and the coaching staff will watch him closely, “Yeah, we’re going to watch him play. I’ll keep my eye on him just like I watched Trent (Richardson). We’ll keep an eye on him, see how he’s doing and we have enough coaches where we can keep track of how he’s playing, how much he’s playing and how’s he’s feeling.”

-All signs point towards Mohamed Massaquoi returning to the Browns line up this weekend and with Brandon Weeden building chemistry with the other receivers Shurmur was asked if he is concerned about Massaquoi and Weeden having to find their groove again?

“No, I don’t worry about the chemistry. I think Brandon (Weeden) and Mo (Massaquoi) have a pretty good feel for each other. I’ve watched in practice here where they really haven’t lost that feel even though Mo hasn’t been part of the game day so to speak. I see there’s a pretty good connection there.”

-The big match up of the of the weekend will be Joe Thomas vs. Terrell Suggs, Coach Shurmur is even looking forward to watching the two all pros, “Two fiery, very fine players and as I mentioned yesterday, I thought Suggs played fine last week. He looked like the old Suggs to me and I’m sure they’re glad to have him back. It’s a good battle.

I remember when I was in Philly we had the (Jon) Runyan and (Michael) Strahan thing going which was fun. It is kind of a little game within the game and those are two really good players going after each other. Now Suggs can appear on the other side as well, but there’s a good chance we won’t put Joe on the other side.”