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Baltimore Ravens: 3 players vital to beating the Texans

By Dustin Cox

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 08: Jimmy Smith #22 of the Baltimore Ravens returns a recovered fumble for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 8, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 08: Jimmy Smith #22 of the Baltimore Ravens returns a recovered fumble for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 8, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 28: Ronnie Stanley of Notre Dame holds up a jersey with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #6 overall by the Baltimore Ravens during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 28: Ronnie Stanley of Notre Dame holds up a jersey with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #6 overall by the Baltimore Ravens during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /

Ronnie Stanley

Both offensive tackles, Ronnie Stanley and Austin Howard, were questionable to play this game for most of the week. Stanley missed last week’s game against the Green Bay Packers with a concussion he suffered late in the game against Tennessee prior, and the Ravens offense suffered in return. Current left guard James Hurst is the backup left tackle, and I think I can safely say that he terrifies Ravens fans when he is protecting Joe Flacco’s blind side. Hurst has been more than solid at guard this year, but please, stay healthy Ronnie so he stays at guard. The current outlook is that Stanley will indeed play tonight.

Even though the Texans lost their star pass rusher J.J. Watt, as well as Whitney Mercilus to season-ending injuries, they still have former first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney to worry about. Clowney has really started to shine in the last two years. He has become a force on the edge to deal with. Ronnie Stanley will have his hands full with the speedy pass rusher. James Hurst would not stand a chance against someone like this.

Next: Baltimore Ravens: What to look for on MNF

Conclusion:

If these three players perform to their expectations then the Ravens should have no problem crushing the injured Houston Texans in prime-time football. What seemed to be a great game at the beginning of the season, is now most likely a lopsided affair. You never know in this league though. The Ravens cannot overlook the Texans. They must bring their best to stay alive in the playoff race.

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