Baltimore Ravens vs Miami Dolphins: Keys to Victory
By Brett Foote
Nov 30, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) runs the offense against the San Diego Chargers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
At this point in the season, it’s fair to make a few confident declarations. One is, things are certainly not going to plan in regards to the Ravens secondary. As the coaching staff shuffles replacement level players around each week while desperately trying to find at least a somewhat viable combination, the results have yet to improve.
Another statement we can make in confidence is that the Ravens almost have to win in Miami this week. They are only in front of the Steelers and Browns by a hair, and have fallen 1.5 games behind the AFC North leading Bengals with four games to go. They also lost their hold on a wild card spot with last week’s loss and a Bills win.
A loss certainly wouldn’t eliminate them from the race, but the Ravens have already lost control of their playoff destiny. You can only poke the football Gods so much before they smite you. Winning out is the best, though not easiest, path to securing a postseason spot for this star crossed team.
On the bright side, the lowly two win New York Jets, a team that also features a strong run defense and horrid secondary, nearly beat the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football. The Jets kept the game close by simply running the football and playing good defense. It’s a game plan the Ravens would be wise to at least consider in a hostile environment.
Here are my Baltimore Ravens vs Miami Dolphins keys to victory for week 14’s pivotal matchup of two 7-5 teams.