Ebony Bird
FanSided

Ravens vs. Chargers: A playoff edition of 3 big things

By Chris Schisler

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 22: Casey Hayward #26 of the Los Angeles Chargers defends as Kenneth Dixon #30 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball during the first half of a game at StubHub Center on December 22, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 22: Casey Hayward #26 of the Los Angeles Chargers defends as Kenneth Dixon #30 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball during the first half of a game at StubHub Center on December 22, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 22: Tavon Young #25 of the Baltimore Ravens scores a touchdown on a fumble recovery to give the Ravens a 22-10 lead over the Los Angeles Chargers during a 22-10 Ravens win at StubHub Center on December 22, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 22: Tavon Young #25 of the Baltimore Ravens scores a touchdown on a fumble recovery to give the Ravens a 22-10 lead over the Los Angeles Chargers during a 22-10 Ravens win at StubHub Center on December 22, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

2. The defense needs to have a big day:

The purple and black need a lot from their defense in this game. The last game required the defense to come away with turnovers, sacks and tough stops and this game shouldn’t be any different. John Harbaugh knows that his offense can do some good things against the Chargers, but the last game was 22-10 with a defensive touchdown. Points will be at a premium and the defense that comes through, wins the day. If the Chargers put up 30 points, they probably win the game. If the game is an ugly slug fest, the Ravens have a great chance.

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For Baltimore, defense is going to be the way forward in the playoffs. The offense works, but it’s not a quick hitting, scoreboard abusing machine. The defense has to limit and slow down the Chargers. The last time these teams played, the Ravens got pass rush that changed the game. They had four sacks and they could have had more. The Ravens only had the football for three more minutes than the Chargers. The defense had it’s work cut out for them. Just because they beat Los Angeles once, it doesn’t mean that they can easily beat them again.

The defense needs to come into the playoff battle with some goals. They should target five sacks, two turnovers and 17-20 points allowed. If Don Martindale’s group can hover around these statistical guidelines, the game will work exactly how it needs to for the Ravens. If the Chargers protect Rivers and don’t turn the ball other, then it’s going to be a rough fight for the Ravens.

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