Week 5 Bye Critical For The Ravens

This year, the Ravens have an early bye that follows a tough opening stretch. After a home opener with the Steelers, two road games with Tennessee and St. Louis, followed by a tough prime time showdown with the Jets at home, the Ravens will get some much needed, early rest.

We already know what to expect from the Steelers and Jets game. Two similar games that should be hard-hitting affairs. The two road games in the middle should not be over looked though. Chris Johnson should keep the Ravens’ D in check as he puts his 4.24 forty time to work. Although the Titans have showed inconsistency lately, this game will be no walk in the park. The Rams shined behind the young arm of Sam Bradford and look to do the same this year. Traveling to the Edward Jones Dome is never a cakewalk and I’m sure the Rams’ fans will be loud and stir up some trouble for the Ravens.

After these four tough games, a healthy team is essential if the Ravens are to make a trip to the playoffs. If this lockout continues to last, extra time, this early in the season will help the Ravens work out the kinks that should have been worked out in mini camp. Our lack of organized team activities could be made up during an early week off. I see this as an important part of the Ravens’ 2011 campaign, which should allow them to make a deep run into the playoffs.