Ravens Offense
Total (11) Rushing (14) Passing (10)
Total (11) Rushing (14) Passing (10)
Quarterback
Steve McNair is a question mark due to a tight back and will be a game-time decision. Perhaps it would be a smart idea for him to rest his 35-year-old body, which is ailing with a nagging groin pull and the back injury, and insert backup quarterback Kyle Boller. That’s why you pay your backup: to play when the starter isn’t 100 percent.
Steve McNair is a question mark due to a tight back and will be a game-time decision. Perhaps it would be a smart idea for him to rest his 35-year-old body, which is ailing with a nagging groin pull and the back injury, and insert backup quarterback Kyle Boller. That’s why you pay your backup: to play when the starter isn’t 100 percent.
Running back
Willis McGahee is on pace for a 1,484-yard rushing campaign, which would represent the second-highest mark in franchise history behind Jamal Lewis. It’s questionable strategically why the coaching staff continually rests him just as he’s starting to build some momentum. There are no apparent stamina issues.
Willis McGahee is on pace for a 1,484-yard rushing campaign, which would represent the second-highest mark in franchise history behind Jamal Lewis. It’s questionable strategically why the coaching staff continually rests him just as he’s starting to build some momentum. There are no apparent stamina issues.
Receivers
Derrick Mason is on pace for an NFL-record 141 receptions. Todd Heap is coming off a hamstring pull, but should be all right. Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams’ long-distance efforts have been hampered by McNair’s inaccuracy, their lingering injuries and a conservative scheme.
Offensive line
The youth movement is officially afoot with left tackle Jared Gaither primed to make his first NFL start and join fellow rookies Marshal Yanda and Ben Grubbs in the lineup. With Jonathan Ogden, Adam Terry and Mike Flynn sidelined with injuries, the average age of the offensive line is 23.5 years, giving the Ravens the youngest offensive line in the NFL. They didn’t allow a sack a week ago.
Ravens Defense
Total (4) Rushing (2) Passing (12)
Total (4) Rushing (2) Passing (12)
Defensive line
They woke up from their slumber last week, at least Kelly Gregg and Haloti Ngata did with several big plays. However, Dwan Edwards remains silent with no sacks. Terrell Suggs is struggling to generate pressure as a rush end with Trevor Pryce out with a broken wrist.
Linebackers
Middle linebacker Ray Lewis already has 60 tackles and has been pursuing sideline to sideline. Bart Scott notched his first sack and may be used more in blitz packages. Jarret Johnson ranks third on the team in tackles and is tied for first two sacks. Plus, he leads the defense with two forced fumbles.
Secondary
Samari Rolle is slated for nickel responsibilities after missing the past three games with an undisclosed illness. Corey Ivy is scheduled to start. Cornerback Chris McAlister has been burnt for a touchdown the past two games. He didn’t want to talk about his breakdowns. Ed Reed leads Baltimore with three interceptions.
Special teams
Kicker Matt Stover is tied with the Houston Texans’ Kris Brown for the NFL lead with 13 field goals. Return specialist Yamon Figurs is over his left shoulder injury that limited him last week and said he will return punts and kickoffs today. Punter Sam Koch is averaging 42.5 yards per punt.
Rams Offense
Total (27) Rushing (21t) Passing (23)
Quarterback
Gus Frerotte is a streaky passer who can get on a hot streak. He’s especially dangerous operating the no-huddle offense and has excellent chemistry with coach Scott Linehan, who has wrested play-calling duties from his offensive coordinator.
Running back
With Steven Jackson sidelined, the Rams are without the services of one of the NFL’s premier runners. Rookie Brian Leonard is no slouch, though, gaining 181 yards on 38 carries with a long run of 31 yards. The former Rutgers star has also caught a dozen passes.
Receivers
Torry Holt is on the mend from a knee injury and remains an explosive threat. Along with possession receiver Drew Bennett, he’ll have to carry the workload because Isaac Bruce, Dante Hall and Dane Looker are all out with injuries. Randy McMichael is an above-average tight end with enough speed to stretch the secondary.
Offensive line
They sorely miss All-Pro tackle Orlando Pace as Alex Barron is extremely soft at left tackle. Right guard Richie Incognito is a penalty machine. This is an ordinary unit that has allowed 13 sacks.
Rams Defense
Total (27) Rushing (27) Passing (13)
Defensive line
Leonard Little is having an off-year with no sacks, but his combination of strength and speed represents a stiff test for rookie right tackle Marshal Yanda. Rookie nose guard Adam Carriker has vast potential. Veteran nose guard La’Roi Glover doesn’t generate as many big plays as he used to.
Linebackers
Middle linebacker Will Witherspoon is undersized, but extremely active in pursuit. Outside linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa, also known as "Hawaii 5-0," has excellent speed. Brandon Chillar is a smart player.
Secondary
The Rams are finally healthy and suspension-free at cornerback with Tye Hill and Fakhir Brown formulating a potentially impressive tandem. Safeties Oshiomogho Atogwe and Corey Chavous lack ideal speed, but are heady, reliable tacklers who know their limitations.
Special teams
Kicker Jeff Wilkins has only converted 9 of 13 field goals, but is traditionally a reliable sort. Left-footed punter Donnie Jones is averaging a whopping 50.6 yards. The Ravens are fortunate that return specialist Dante Hall is out with an ankle injury. Converted quarterback Marques Hagans will take his place.
EDGES: Quarterback: Even; Running back: Baltimore; Receiver: Baltimore; Offensive line: Baltimore; Defensive line: Baltimore; Linebackers: Baltimore; Secondary: Baltimore; Special teams: Baltimore.
