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Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh, pictured here following last season's Super Bowl, is impressed with Browns defense.

(Associated Press)

BEREA, Ohio – Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh is all too familiar with Paul Kruger's ability.

But the pass-rushing prowess of the former Ravens outside linebacker is only part of what concerns Harbaugh about the Browns defense on Sunday.

“Very impressed by what you see on tape,” the coach said in a Wednesday conference call. “They are playing exceptionally well everywhere and their front seven – I think I’ve said this a couple times – I don’t know if we’ve seen a better front seven on tape than what we are seeing.”

The Browns limited the Miami Dolphins to 20 yards rushing and sacked quarterback Ryan Tannehill four times in a 23-10 season-opening loss. But the unit looked tired down the stretch and surrendered eight of 16 third-down opportunities.

Browns defensive coordinator Ray Horton spent seven seasons in Pittsburgh (2004-10) and has borrowed heavily from the attacking philosophies of Steelers mainstay Dick LeBeau.

“We’ve seen the scheme a lot over the years,” Harbaugh said. “We have a lot of respect for the players and the scheme.”

Kruger part II: The Ravens coach said he took no issue with comments made by Kruger in the spring in which he vowed to prove he's an every-day linebacker and not just a pass-rush specialist as many viewed him in Baltimore. Harbaugh was asked if he sensed Kruger's frustration of being a situational player with the Ravens.



“I’ve read most of those quotes so I guess it’s in how you portray it,” Harbaugh said. “I thought the quotes were fine. Paul and I have had many conversations over the last four years along those lines. I am very proud of his development as a player. I feel like we were part of it in helping him become the player he is now and just happy for him ...

“Paul had his best year last year, but he was always building toward that year and he’s been a big part of our success and I’m happy to see he’s doing so well now.”

Ward sits: Strong safety T.J. Ward missed practice Wednesday with a right shoulder injury. Ward said he's feeling better each day and is "pretty positive about the injury." Ward sustained it early in the Dolphins' game after colliding with a Miami tight end. Free safety Tashaun Gipson said he expects Ward to play.



Other injury updates: Receiver Travis Benjamin was limited in practice with a thigh injury. ... Right guard Shawn Lauvao said "we'll see how it goes" when asked about his possible return to practice this week. He was injured in training camp. Ahtyba Rubin (calf) also did not practice Wednesday. Ravens receiver/kick returner Jacoby Jones (knee) is out for Sunday's game.



Another shot: Coach Rob Chudzinski said running back Bobby Rainey will be given another opportunity to return kicks on Sunday, but adds the team has other options. Rainey brought back four kickoffs for a 25.8 yard average, but only crossed the 20-yard line once.