3 ways the Ravens can upset the Cardinals

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Oct 18, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Kenneth Acker (20) grabs onto the leg of Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) during the third quarter at Levi

Establish the running game early

What to teams do when they face elite passing offenses? They slow down the game and play keep away by pounding the rock. It makes a lot of sense for the Ravens this week as well, for a number of reasons. Not the least of which is their lack of talent in the passing game.

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With shutdown cornerback Patrick Peterson set to shadow Steve Smith, Joe Flacco probably isn’t going to be able to connect with his favorite receiver often on Monday night. No other pass catcher has proven capable of giving him a consistent outlet through six weeks.

The Cardinals’ defense is much more susceptible to the run (16th in the NFL, 104.5 ypg, 4.1 ypc) than they are against the pass (9th, 224.2 ypg, 9 TD vs. 11 INT). With Joe Flacco sitting on a season total of only 8 touchdowns vs. 7 interceptions, it would be wise to feed a hot Justin Forsett (333 yards, 5.1 avg. over his last 3 games) early and often.

Next: He's going deep....again

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