Kamar Aiken Reminds Ravens of Anquan Boldin, Another Run Defense Streak
By Brett Foote
Oct 26, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Terence Newman (23) defends Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Kamar Aiken (11) during the first quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Welcome to the Daily Caw, where we round up all the latest Ravens news from around the web for your convenient consumption. Today we find out that Kamar Aiken reminds the Ravens of Anquan Boldin, the run defense is looking to start another streak, how Torrey Smith can get more involved in the offense, and how the Raven’s secondary can cover the Steeler’s wide receivers.
Ravens Run Defense Starting Another Streak
"Even though this year’s Baltimore Ravens have a ways to go before they threaten the great defenses in franchise history, they’re putting together an impressive streak that was a trademark of those memorable defenses.The Ravens haven’t allowed a 100-yard rusher in 18 straight games, the NFL’s longest current streak. The Arizona Cardinals and the Jacksonville Jaguars haven’t permitted a 100-yard rusher in 17 consecutive games."
How Can the Ravens Get Torrey Smith Involved?
"Throw deep to him. Torrey Smith’s strength is beating his defender and running straight down the field. Last year at this time, Joe Flacco threw 21 passes of more than 20 yards to Smith. This year, he Smith has been targeted 12 times on such throws. The Ravens have been running more short and intermediate routes in Gary Kubiak’s offense. They started taking more shots downfield in Weeks 4 to 7, and Smith had his best stretch of the season. He caught 12 passes and averaged 18.6 yards per reception. Sunday’s game at Pittsburgh is a favorable matchup for Smith. The Steelers have given up 22 completions on throws over 20 yards, which are second-most in the NFL.More from Ebony BirdWill Baltimore Ravens be rewarded for risky Lamar Jackson decision?The Baltimore Ravens Big GambleRavens Super Bowl odds present fascinating insight on Lamar Jackson’s futureShould Baltimore Ravens be interested in this recently released WRDo the Baltimore Ravens have serious interest in this free agent wide out?"
Kamar Aiken Reminds the Ravens of Anquan Boldin
"He’s got the black-tinted visor, rocked-up arms, soft hands and a chill demeanor.Is Anquan Boldin back?Nope, it’s Kamar Aiken. But Aiken hears the Boldin comparisons within the Ravens’ walls.“They say that here because I’m strong,” Aiken said before making a wise crack. “I might be a little faster than Anquan.”Aiken has become growing part of the Ravens offense. He has 11 catches for 113 yards and a touchdown. He has more targets (16) than Jacoby Jones (13), and is ahead of him on the depth chart."
How Will the Ravens Cover the Steelers?
"This is the biggest question on every Ravens fan’s mind right now. With Jimmy Smith (foot) and Asa Jackson (toe) injured, the Ravens are down to three healthy cornerbacks (Lardarius Webb, Dominique Franks and Chykie Brown). This is not a good week to go against three Pittsburgh Steelers receivers who had at least 50 yards receiving and one touchdown last Sunday: Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton. So, how are the Ravens going to cover them? I’m not sure they can, at least not on a consistent basis. The best way for the Ravens to slow down the Steelers’ passing game is getting pressure on Ben Roethlisberger. When the Ravens beat the Steelers in Week 2, Courtney Upshaw crushed Roethlisberger — it was the Ravens’ best hit on Roethlisberger since Bart Scott — and Roethlisberger wasn’t the same after that. The Ravens need to have the same type of pass rush presence Sunday night."
What to Look For in Ravens vs. Steelers
"This isn’t rocket science.The Ravens and Steelers know each other intimately, in a football kind of way. There will be no surprises. The team that makes the fewest mistakes and executes better will win.It’s really that simple.That said there will be some interesting subplots to focus in on. Here are my Top 5:"