Right Off Russell

The Green Bay Packers offensive line has given up an NFL high 44 sacks through 11 games, but only 3 in the last 2 games.  Meanwhile, the Ravens have only racked up 21 in their 11 games and none in the passed 2 weeks.  Which trend will be broken tonight?  And will this be the week the Ravens defense can finally generate consistent pressure on an opposing QB?  The answer will determine whether or not the Ravens can limit the Packers on offense.

Against the Run:  The Ravens run defense has been shaky of late.  The defensive line has been getting pushed back far to often and it seems like none of Haloti Ngata, Kelly Gregg, Trevor Pryce, or Justin Bannan is able to step up and right the ship.  Dwan Edwards has increased his productivity, but it appears that the Ravens really miss Terrell Suggs on run D as much if not more than they do miss him rushing the passer.  Despite a few good plays last week against Pittsburgh, Paul Kruger does not have the strength of physical presence right now to be a consistent play-maker.  The good news is that the Packers are not a dynamic ground offense.  They have a talent back in Ryan Grant, but the line is still a bit soft.  Shutting down the run game will help tremendously by forcing Aaron Rodgers to air it out on a cold night in Green Bay.  The Ravens defense need to take back the line of scrimmage and that starts with the guys up front.

Against the Pass:  Bad match-ups all around.  In Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and James Jones the Packers have a size speed combo that will give the Ravens secondary fits.  TE Jermichael Finley is also an athletic target that will give the Ravens LB’s fits in coverage over the middle.  So what is the best way to stop the pass?  The Ravens need to have a strong pass rush.  Without Suggs that will be tough unless the Packers o-line reverts back to their prior revolving door form.  The Ravens do need to be careful about how they pressure Rodgers, because he is capable of making plays out side of the pocket.  The key will be to pressure and contain Rodgers.  In the secondary, Dominique Foxworth needs to step up his play.  We have been saying that a lot.  He may not have it in him to play better.  The Ravens also will need to mix up coverages and cause Rodgers to hesitate.  Rodgers will hold the ball and put pressure on his line.  This is one of the reasons so many sacks have been surrendered.

In some ways this game reminds me of the Indianapolis game.  The Packers are not as strong offensively as Indy, but they do present some serious match-up problems for the Ravens.  I expected Indy to put up more than 17 points against the Ravens, but the Ravens were resourceful and came up with some big plays on defense.  The Ravens will need a similar performance to the one against Indy to win this game.  This time on the road.