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Baltimore Ravens: 3 keys to beating the New Orleans Saints

By Chris Schisler

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after a touchdown run by Javorius Allen in the third quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens won 27-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after a touchdown run by Javorius Allen in the third quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens won 27-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Baltimore Ravens
NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 14: Michael Crabtree #15 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball while defended by Malcolm Butler #21 of the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

The Baltimore Ravens have a tough test against the New Orleans Saints. Here is a look at what the Ravens must do to win the game:

1. Control the clock, keep the offense on the field:

The Baltimore Ravens are going against the best offense in football. Even with the best defense in the game, that is a tough challenge. The biggest key for the Ravens is to have Joe Flacco orchestrate long drives. This will limit the chances Drew Brees has to burn Baltimore, dictate that the style of the game to New Orleans and will hamper the Saints as they try to get into a groove. This is the best offense vs. the best defense, but it’s the Ravens offense that is the forgotten key to the game.

The Ravens have made long drives a habit. The Ravens had a 17 yard drive against the Tennessee Titans and they controlled the football for about 37 minutes of the game clock. Against the Pittsburgh Steelers the Ravens had just over 35 minutes with the football. It’s something that the Ravens haven’t gotten enough credit for, keeping the ball away from their opponent. The Ravens have a defense that makes things tough and an offense that limits an opponents chances when they don’t turn the ball over.

The Ravens have to keep Drew Brees in check for 60 minutes of the game clock. The best way to aid the defense is to handle the football for as close to 40 minutes as they can. If the Ravens offense can pick up first downs on a regular basis, and put up 28 points, that should be enough to win this game. The Ravens may not have the top offense in the NFL, but it is still capable of being the biggest story in this game.

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