Ebony Bird
FanSided

Baltimore Ravens: 5 predictions for the season opener

By Chris Schisler

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 07: Guard Marshal Yanda #73 of the Baltimore Ravens is introduced before the start of an NFL pre-season game against the San Francisco 49ers at M&T Bank Stadium on August 7, 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 07: Guard Marshal Yanda #73 of the Baltimore Ravens is introduced before the start of an NFL pre-season game against the San Francisco 49ers at M&T Bank Stadium on August 7, 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 20: John Brown #13 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with teammates after a seven-yard touchdown reception against the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 20, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 20: John Brown #13 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with teammates after a seven-yard touchdown reception against the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 20, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

4. Ravens are efficient on third down:

More from Ebony Bird

The Ravens offense is going to be hard to get off the field. Success on the ground is going to open up chances for Flacco to put the hurt on the Bills. If the Ravens win on first down, which Collins and the running game gives them a chance to do, life will become easier for the offense. The run game is going to shine, which means the Ravens offense is going to stay on schedule.

Earlier in the offseason, I wrote a post on how the Ravens would improve in the red zone. The same things that will help the Ravens red zone efficiency will help them on third down. Michael Crabtree has a knack for making clutch plays. John Brown is hard to keep up with. If the Ravens can get good production from either Mark Andrews or Nick Boyle the middle of the field is an option for Flacco.

It may have been hard to notice it during preseason play but the Ravens offensive line has a chance to be really strong. Ronnie Stanley and Marshal Yanda are two of the best offensive linemen in the NFL. With two strong leaders, the starting offensive line has my confidence going into the season. Third down is when the Bills are going to bring the heat and the Ravens should be ready for it.

Home/Ravens News