Ravens vs 49ers: Keys to victory for week 6

By Brett Foote | Oct 16, 2015

2 of 4

Oct 11, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge (82) defended by Baltimore Ravens safety Will Hill (33) and linebacker CJ Mosley (57) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Key #1: Learn how to finish games

It sounds incredibly simple because it is. The Ravens could just as easily be 4-1 as they are 1-4 if they could just figure out how to hold onto a 4th quarter lead. Last week they once again carried a lead into the final quarter only to allow the opposing team’s offense to march down the field with ease. And did it again in overtime.

More from Ravens News

It’s a baffling and troubling trend. The Ravens defense, once revered, isn’t scaring anyone right now. Part of that can probably be attributed to the loss of their vocal leader, Terrell Suggs. But the veterans in the secondary aren’t exhibiting any leadership either.

Jimmy Smith, Lardarius Webb, Kyle Arrington, and Kendrick Lewis are all established veterans who shouldn’t be having any communication breakdowns at this point. Dean Pees has been around long enough to know how to coach players.

It’s not like opposing teams are having any luck running the ball against the Ravens either, as they still rank 14th against the run. It’s big plays through the air that are killing them, and they have the talent to stop the bleeding. They just haven’t put it all together yet.

Next: Find consistency in the passing game

More from Ebony Bird

Home/Ravens News