Baltimore Ravens vs. Minnesota Vikings: 3 key matchups
By Joe Schiller
The Baltimore Ravens head into an extremely tough matchup on the road against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, here are three key matchups to watch.
Ready for some football? We’re just one day away before the Baltimore Ravens (3-3) travel to Minnesota to take on the NFC North leaders Minnesota Vikings (4-2). It’s essentially a must-win game for the Ravens who came in losers two of their last three.
The last time these two teams met, the Ravens pulled out a thrilling 29-26 win in blizzard conditions. The weather will be a little bit better come Sunday, but implications are still high. Both sides are looking to come away with wins.
Here are three keys matchups you should look out for.
C.J. Mosley vs. Jerick McKinnon
In the midst of injuries and inconsistent play by the Ravens, inside linebacker C.J. Mosley has quietly had himself as fantastic season. Mosley leads all defensive players with 55 total tackles through the first six weeks of the season. He’s continuing to improve every year and is the bonified defensive star for this Ravens defense heading forward. On Sunday, Mosley will have his hands full up against Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon.
Even with Dalvin Cook out for the season, the Vikings run game has stayed afloat with strong play from McKinnon. He’s not your prototypical downhill running back, but more of a dual threat especially in the passing game. In the past two games as the starter, McKinnon has totaled three touchdowns and has made life tough for opposing defenses. At 5-9, he’s short, shifty and hard to bring down in the open field.
The Ravens should get back Brandon Williams and Carl Davis on the interior of the defensive line, which will open up lanes for Mosley. Mosley and the defense have to get to McKinnon early and set a statement. Without Stefon Diggs, the Vikings are going to be relying on Mckinnon and the running game. Stopping the run and making the Vikings offense one-dimensional is a major key come Sunday and it starts with Mosley.