The Baltimore Ravens will have to take on the New York Giants shorthanded. Elvis Dumervil is out, and four starters are listed as doubtful:
After two straight home losses and a ridiculous injury report, the Baltimore Ravens season feels too much like last season. When the Ravens play the Giants, they will be missing some key players. In addition to the four doubtful players, five players are listed as questionable. This game will be about resilience more than anything. The Ravens have adversity for miles, coming into this game.
Related Story: Battles In New York Will Be Test Of Ravens Heart
Doubtful: Ronnie Stanley, Marshall Yanda, Steve Smith Sr., C.J. Mosley, Devin Hester
The frustrating thing here, is that a struggling offense will almost undoubtedly be without three important players. Marshall Yanda is the rock of the offensive line. He is arguably one of the best right guards in NFL history. When you talk about the top guards in football, Yanda’s name routinely pops up. Stanley is missing his third straight game. Expect Alex Lewis to hold the fort at left tackle again. Steve Smith Sr. is the Ravens best play-maker in the passing game, or at least their most reliable one. Things aren’t looking up for an offense that has played so badly, they’re getting a new offensive coordinator in Marty Mornhinweg.
The Ravens defense will be fine without C.J. Mosley in this game. It’s not like the Giants run the ball a lot. The Ravens defense is better with Mosley in the game, but they have guys who can fill in. Devin Hester hasn’t made much of a positive impact this season. Missing him isn’t a big deal.
Questionable: Albert McClellan, Kendrick Lewis, Rick Wagner, Mike Wallace, Shareece Wright
It is important to remember that probable doesn’t exist anymore. Some of these names may better fit that category. Ravens fans certainly have to hope that Mike Wallace plays. Without Smith Sr. the purple and black will be thin on receivers. Albert McClellan moving inside to Mosley’s spot is a real possibility. Rick Wagner playing would be helpful, the offensive line is in trouble either way though.
Bottom Line:
The Ravens have a lot of adversity to fight through in this game. If the Ravens win this one, it shows that they are a tough team with depth. If they lose it, they have a built in excuse. However the Ravens don’t have time for excuses. A third straight loss would be catastrophic. It seems like the Ravens will have to win on toughness more than anything in this one.