3 Keys to Victory For The Ravens On Thursday Night

Key #1: Run the football, then run it some more.

Not to much of a surprise, the Browns come into tonight’s game ranked 31st against the run. According to reports, Ravens offensive guard Marshall Yanda is doubtful to play with a shoulder injury. It is expected that he will be replaced by either Ryan Jensen or John Urschel. The absence of Yanda will hurt, but it should not slow down the Ravens from running the ball. Both Urschel and  Jensen have experience playing with the starting line this season.

Starting running back Terrance West should have a field day running through the Brown’s defense. After signing with the team in 2015, West is proving that he is capable of being a #1 back. Rookie running back, Kennith Dixon is dealing with concussion protocol; so it looks like West will receive the majority of the carries tonight. If the offensive line can create holes and movement in the trenches, I see no reason why West shouldn’t have over 100 yards.

While big 10-20 yard runs from West would be great, those 3-5 yard carries set up for more manageable 2nd and 3rd downs. These short, but effective runs keep the defense on the field and chew up clock.  It will also set up the play action pass, giving Flacco plenty of opportunities to launch it deep against the banged up Browns secondary.