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Ravens vs. Bengals: 3 key matchups to watch

By Joe Schiller

CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 10: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 10: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 07: Quarterback Joe Flacco
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 07: Quarterback Joe Flacco /

2. Ronnie Stanley vs. Carlos Dunlap

Ronnie Stanley had a tough matchup against Carlos Dunlap in Week 1 and that doesn’t change in Week 17. Paired with Geno Atkins on the defensive line, they’re a duo that opposing offensive lines hate to come up against. Stanley will have his work cut out for him keeping Dunlap away from Joe Flacco this afternoon.

Dunlap didn’t record a sack against the Ravens in their first meeting and it needs to stay that way. They don’t get enough credit but the offensive line has been the unsung hero of this team during the 2017 season. Even with injuries, this unit has stepped up and played well in the second half of the season. Stanley is the young leader of this group and continues to develop into the franchise left tackle that the Ravens expect him to. That means keeping the top pass rushers away from the franchise quarterback.

If we know anything about Joe Flacco, it’s that he seems to never fare well in the pocket when there’s pressure on him. Countless times we’ve seen him force throws into coverage with pressure in his face. But on the other hand, Flacco has shown he can carve defenses apart when given ample time in the pocket. Stanley is the x-factor for the Ravens today and a strong game by him means a strong performance for the Ravens offense.

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