The Ravens appear to be the cream of the crop in the AFC. If you had to give me one weakness this team has that could keep Baltimore out of the Super Bowl, what would that be?
The Ravens offensive line is a work in progress and the starters have been slow to gel, leading to inconsistencies and too often leaving Joe Flacco open to blind side hits. Left guard Ben Grubbs is struggling with turf toe and has missed three starts. Five-time Pro Bowl C Andre Gurode is a quality sub but in addition to getting acclimated with his new surroundings, he’s occupying a position that he hasn’t played in years. If this group doesn’t play better, Flacco despite his toughness (he’s taken every single snap since he’s been a Raven) might not be enough to keep his consecutive games string alive.
Is this the best Ravens team under John Harbaugh?
This is the Ravens best team since Harbaugh took command of the Baltimore sideline. They have more playmakers on both sides of the ball and greater team speed. The Ravens have been unable to take the top off of zone defenses in the past but with the additions of WR’s Torrey Smith, Lee Evans (injured ankle) and the development of athletic tight end Ed Dickson, Cam Cameron can open more of his playbook.
Defensively the team fields 4 premier defenders in Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs and Haloti Ngata and their supporting cast is young and capable. The Ravens have benefitted from unexpected plus contributions from CB Cary Williams and young defensive linemen like Terrence Cody, Pernell McPhee and Arthur Jones are also making their mark. CB Lardarius Webb is a playmaker both in the passing game and in run support and he’s a very effective blitzer. And soon they’ll add some quality depth to the secondary.
Why do you think Baltimore will cover the spread?
In a word – defense.
The Jaguars will present some problems for Joe Flacco & Company but the Ravens defense is a mismatch for Jacksonville. Baltimore’s is very successful against a one-dimensional offense, particularly when that dimension is rushing. Look for the Ravens to invest ample resources to thwart Maurice Jones Drew’s efforts in order to win first down and force Blaine Gabbert into many second and third and long situations. When that happens, Defensive Coordinator Chuck Pagano will dial up some exotic blitzes to confuse Gabbert and force turnovers. It would be no surprise if the Ravens defense outscores its offense which has struggled to score TD’s in the red zone.
Final score prediction: Ravens 31, Jaguars 6
