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3 Baltimore Ravens players who need to step up against the Bengals

By Chris Schisler

BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 04: Running Back Alex Collins #34 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball in the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 04: Running Back Alex Collins #34 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball in the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 3: Offensive guard Matt Skura #68 of the Baltimore Ravens blocks on a screen pass against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 3: Offensive guard Matt Skura #68 of the Baltimore Ravens blocks on a screen pass against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

2. Matt Skura (And the rest of the offensive line)

Geno Atkins is a very hard man to stop. The purple and black found this out the hard way in week 2. Atkins had two sacks and nearly constant pressure in the Ravens’ backfield. The man who will be tasked with stopping this incredible defensive tackle is Matt Skura. Skura has had an up and down year, but unless you’re wearing purple shaded glasses it’s been more down than up. Skura must prevent mid-line pressure from blowing up the Ravens passing game. He must also prevent Atkins from eating the run game for dinner.

Must Read. Candidates to replace John Harbaugh (If needed). light

The Bengals defensive front is able to get after Flacco and they always seem to. Carlos Dunlap has seven sacks on the season. Atkins has six sacks while several others have contributed to the pass rush. The Ravens need a big day from the entire offensive line. They haven’t been very good in the three game losing streak. The linemen must step up if the Ravens want to start playing winning football.

Here’s the thing though, the Bengals have the worst run defense in the NFL. This means that if Skura steps up and neutralizes Atkins, the Bengals defense isn’t horribly intimidating. Skura having a good game is really the biggest key of the week 11 contest. The Ravens can’t win this game if the Bengals defensive front has the same impact they had in week 2.

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