Right Off Russell

In their week 4match-up with the Patriots, Joe Flacco threw the ball 47 times, and while he did amass 264 yards and 2 touchdowns, the Ravens did not move the ball consistently that day putting up only 14 offensive points.  I remember being surprised how much the Ravens looked to throw the ball against the Pats, and disappointed that Ray Rice was not utilized more.  Rice did average 9.4 yards per carry, but only ran it 11 times.  The Ravens have been run heavy as the weather has turned colder and as Flacco has struggled with inconsistency and injury.  The Ravens will need to be more effective moving the ball this time around as the defense would benefit greatly from an offense that keeps them off the field.

Passing Game:  The Pats will again try to keep the ball from Derrick Mason.  In week 4 Mason lit them up on the Raven’s opening drive that culminated in his 20 yard TD reception.  From that point forward Mason was relatively quiet and Flacco struggled with inconsistent Raven’s receivers.  The Ravens need to find other receivers to make plays against the Pats.  Kelley Washington is a good possession receiver and makes plays on 3rd down.  I am not sure what Mark Clayton brings to the table right now, but at least he is motivated to make up for his drop in the last game.  That leaves Demetrius Williams.  Williams was showing signs of opening up the Ravens passing game with his ability to make plays down field.  He was a missing man in week 17.  Some have speculated that the Ravens did not feel the need to use Williams against the Raiders.  Others think that with Clayton able to play, that Williams is back in the dog house.  I am hopeful the former explanation is correct.  The Ravens need him to open up the passing game and stretch the field against New England.  He creates match-up problems that no other Ravens receiver can create.  Look for Todd Heap to be a favorite target for Flacco in the red zone.

The Ravens will also need to do a better job at slowing the Pats pass rush.  In week 4 New England was able to apply a fair amount of pressure to Flacco.  The registered only 2 sacks, but hurried Flacco several other times.  This could be a problem as the Ravens pass protection has seemed disorganized of late.  Part of that is on the offensive line and running backs, but Flacco has also struggled to read blitzes, make quick reads and get rid of the ball lately.   Both Flacco and the line need to step up this Sunday.  I do not expect the Ravens to be as pass heavy, but they need to be efficient and not take many sacks.

Running Game:  The Ravens will need to make every effort to punish the Pats on the ground on Sunday.  Ray Rice needs to see the ball early and often and the Ravens need to also use the physical styles of Willis McGahee and Le’Ron McClain to wear down the New England front seven.  Some of the Ravens success on the ground could depend on whether or not they are facing a healthy Vince Wilfork and Ty Warren.  Regardless of what personnel they are facing the Ravens o-line need to take the fight to the Pats.  They are likely to have little break right for them in Foxborough, a theme for the Ravens on the road this season,  but they need to be more physical up front and possess the ball with a diverse and effective running game. 

If the Ravens are effective on the ground and efficient through the air there is no reason they cannot put up points on a New England defense that is average at best.  Bill Belichick will certainly have some new wrinkles cooked up for the Ravens.  Cam Cameron, Joe Flacco and the rest of the crew will need to be at their best to take advantage of the Pats weaknesses and to keep the Ravens offense on the field and humming.