Ravens vs 49ers: Keys to victory for week 6

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Oct 11, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) breaks a pass intended for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Chris Givens (13) during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Cleveland Browns defeated Baltimore Ravens 33-30 in over time. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Key #2: Find consistency in the passing game

You certainly can’t pin Sunday’s loss on Joe Flacco, as the veteran quarterback did everything he could to keep the Ravens in the game. Flacco even ran in a pair of touchdowns. No, the problem is still the troubling lack of viable options in the passing game.

The Ravens entered the year with some excitement surrounding their receiving corps, but injuries and ineffectiveness have killed it. With Steve Smith nursing fractures in his back, Michael Campanaro on injured reserve, Breshad Perriman out indefinitely, and Crockett Gillmore sitting out two games with an injury, Flacco is missing almost all of his top targets.

Kamar Aiken recorded 78 yards last week, but caught only 4 of 9 targets. No one outside of Justin Forsett (4 of 5) and Nick Boyle (3 of 3) was anywhere near efficient. Marlon Brown was the worst offender, securing only 1 of his 4 targets.

With Darren Waller exiting last week’s game with an injury as well, the Ravens situation is getting worse by the week. The only good news is the 49ers pass defense (30th) is even worse than the Browns (18th). Maybe it will be enough to finally get the passing game on track this week.

Next: The pass rush must get to Colin Kaepernick

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