Week 1: Ravens vs Jets Prediction
By Joe Barnes
We’re quickly approaching kickoff time (7:30, latest reports say), and I just keep getting more excited. As a blogger that tries to take himself seriously, I’ll be professional about it. But deep inside, there’s some purple flowing through my bloodstream, and I can feel it big-time.
To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever been this pumped up for a season opener, and I have good reason to be. I’ve posted millions of times about the new weapons brought in, the new mentality, the experience factor, and all the other factors that make this Ravens team so darn exciting.
I’m sure you’ve seen your fair share of previews, so I’ll steer clear of that. A super-accurate prediction after the jump.
What To Watch: Even though this is a prediction and not a preview, I’ve gotta comment on the rain. This rain is freakin’ crazy. I’ve seen the screenshots on ESPN, and checked the weather report, and it’s absolutely insane. Lighting is all around, the rain is as hard as it gets, and it’ll surely affect the game. Look for a low-scoring affair with a high amount of rushing plays.
Prediction: Ravens 13, Jets 6. Ravens score one TD, two field goals. No touchdowns for the Jets.
Mark Sanchez is not a dynamic enough QB to succeed in these conditions, and his receivers will not benefit from the rain at all. Joe Flacco has a bit of an edge, because the Ravens’ receivers are great at running short routes down the middle, and Ray Rice is an incredible checkdown option. Let’s get away from the passing, though, because you probably won’t see much of it tonight. I don’t like the Jets’ rushing game. Shon Greene is good, but not as good as Jets fans would want you to think. LaDanian Tomlinson is a “system guy” who was great under Cam Cameron in San Diego, but won’t have near the same amount of success for Rex Ryan’s Jets. Ray Rice should bust a couple big runs, but won’t put up big numbers. Willis McGahee and Le’Ron McClain will be the key factors for the Ravens tonight, and they need to combine for at least 100 yards.
Defensively, it’ll be a great one. Expect big hits, smart plays, and some offensive injuries. Both defenses are extremely talented and deep, and they’ll both be pumped up beyond belief. Not much more to say there, other than that it will be brilliant.
That’s all for me, continue your pre-game celebrations. Check back during and after the game for coverage.