Ravens Vs. Raiders: A Conversation With Just Blog Baby

Something Has To Give:

1. The Raiders Have the second ranked offense. The Ravens have the second ranked defense. Obviously something has to give, which second ranked unit has the edge?

Given what I saw last week, this could very well be a low scoring affair. Offensive miscues really held the Raiders back on multiple drives, and the passing game left a little too much on the bone. Our offensive line is banged up so adding Dumervil to an already strong unit does not bode well, but the depth is definitely there with rookie Vadal Alexander, and utility men in Matt McCants and John Feliciano. I feel that the opportunity for Oakland’s offense has a higher upside than Baltimore’s defense, so I think time of possession could favor the Raiders, eventually wearing down that Baltimore D. It will be lower, but I think defense may give because of the load they have to carry.

2. What is the Raiders biggest strength? How do the Ravens take it away? What is the biggest weakness and how should the Ravens attack it?

The strength with the Raiders starts with Derek Carr. He knows this offense through and through, and has the confidence to throw the ball to anyone and anywhere he pleases. The Ravens have to limit those big plays, and force him to keep it honest. Trust the defensive line to apply pressure, and utilize the pass coverage strength that those linebackers covet. Run defense thus far has been Oakland’s biggest issue. They have given up consistent chunks play after play. Coincidentally, the Ravens have been lacking in that part, but that is no reason to stray away from it. It could very well lead to that field opening up for Flacco and his speedy receivers. Trestman needs to find a way to exploit that to its fullest.