Baltimore Ravens vs. New Orleans Saints: Keys To Victory
By Brett Foote
Nov 9, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) is sacked by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Elvis Dumervil (58) in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Generate Pressure Early
In the Ravens’ six victories this season, they have allowed an average of 11.3 points per game. That is an amazing statistic, especially when you consider how bad their pass defense is (21st in the NFL, 251.2 ypg). How are they doing it? Two words: pass rush.
Last week against the Titans, the Ravens actually had more sacks (5) than the Titans had first downs (4) from the 2nd through 4th quarters. That was the biggest reason the Titans could only muster 45 yards of offense during that span.
The Ravens have the second best pass rush defense in the entire NFL, and they have the #2 sack leader in the league in Elvis Dumervil, who has racked up 10.5 through 10 games. Dumervil and Terrell Suggs pose a big problem for the Saint’s o-line, and their ability to get to Drew Brees early in the game will go a long way in keeping points off the board.