Keeping up with the Saints’ high powered offense won’t be a walk in the park by any means, but it certainly is possible when the Ravens 12th-ranked offense tries to keep pace with the Saints number 2-ranked offense on Monday night.
In what could very well be a shootout down to the very last snap of the game, sustaining drives and moving the chains will be critical in keeping Drew Brees on ice on the sideline.
Entering Week 12, the Ravens and Saints have been the best of the best when it comes to first down conversions, particularly limiting the amount of three-and-out possessions.
Gary Kubiak’s new offense has produced just 15 three-and-outs (the NFL’s third fewest) on 112 offensive series, yielding a 13.4% mark, which also ranks as the league’s 3rd best rate. Sean Payton’s offense is even better, having just 13 three-and-out drives on 106 offensive series, 12.3% (the NFL’s fewest).
Considering the amount of first downs that Ravens have amassed through 10 games (196) along with the total yards allowed by the Saints either in run defense or pass defense, the formula is simple.
Maintaining an even balance is crucial to be successful. Each and every offensive series the Ravens have must be precise.
That means getting Justin Forsett (35 first downs) the football to move the chains. It also means using receiving threats Steve Smith Sr. (29), Owen Daniels (23) and Torrey Smith (22) to sustain drives that must result in points.
The offense can no longer afford starting out of the gate slowly and spending the entire first half stuck in idle as they have on more than one occasion this season.
It means no more costly turnovers from tipped passes by the wide receivers. It means there cannot be strip-sacks where Joe Flacco could have thrown the ball away. And the Ravens’ backs need to be secure with the football.
Sticking to the game plan that John Harbaugh and Gary Kubiak prepared during the bye week is of utmost importance as the Bengals proved last week. Â The Ravens certainly have the personnel to do it.
They’ll get their chance to prove it. Now they need to execute.
Follow me on Twitter @sportguyRSR
