The Baltimore Ravens Are Not Projected To Win On Sunday…
This week marks two firsts for the Baltimore Ravens for the 2016 season. Marty Monrhinweg gets his first crack at calling the offense, and Vegas labeled the Ravens underdogs. For five straight weeks, Baltimore was expected to win, but after two straight losses, doubt crept into the minds of the line setters. The Ravens are 3-point underdog to the New York Giants.
The unknown changes to the offense precipitates this line, but the change to Mornhinweg only strengthens the offense. Marc Trestman’s propensity to throw the ball led to the Ravens’ offensive woes. While Mornhinweg’s career descended from “West Coast Offense” coaching mavens, his play calling leans to a much more balanced attack. He called 50.9% passing and 49.1% running plays during his last season as an offensive coordinator with the New York Jets.
That remarkable balance allows Terrence West to build on his success as a starter. In the loss the Washington Redskins, West gained 95 yards on only 11 carries. He looked dominant and needed the ball more in the second half. From there, deep passes off of play action easily take shape. Joe Flacco can unleash deep passes to Breshad Perriman and Mike Wallace. Joe Flacco’s yards per attempt may just go up a tick or two.
Furthermore, the New York Giants fall all over themselves every week. Since starting the season 2-0, the Giants dropped three straight in rather embarrassing fashion. The Giants are competitive. It’s just that watching the Giants play hurts the eyes. The team’s top three receivers rank among the top unit in the league, but the offense fails to move the ball. The most recent NFL diva receiver, Odell Beckham Jr., only managed 8 catches for 79 yards in the last two games.
Next: Baltimore Ravens Have Concerning Injuries Stacking Up
The Baltimore Ravens may enter this game as the underdog, but look for them to make a drastic improvement on offense under Mornhinweg. The Ravens are trying to overcome a bunch of hindering injuries. It just seems like Ben McAdoo’s Giants may be the mess the Ravens need to see right now. The Ravens’ defense continues the Giants downward trend on offense. I’m betting on the Ravens, who do their best work as the underdogs.