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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: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens scrambles short of a first down in front of Joey Bosa #99 of the Los Angeles Chargers and Orlando Brown #78 during the second quarter at StubHub Center on December 22, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

3. The Ravens rushing attack can’t get bottled up:

The Ravens need to shoot for the moon when it comes to their rushing totals in this contest. They may not need 200 rushing yards, but it absolutely has to be the goal. The Ravens won the last game with a total of 159 rushing yards and it would seem that they need at least the same production to survive and advance. The Baltimore offense is built on running the football. Jackson may need to make some plays through the air, however the run game has to be the bread and butter.

The Ravens really need to control the clock to have their formula work. One area of concern is that Gus Edwards was the only Ravens to get on a roll in the previous meeting. Edwards rushed for 92 yards and averaged 6.6 yards per carry. Jackson averaged only 3.3 yards per rushing attempt which is well below his normal numbers. The Ravens may not be able to win a second battle against the Chargers if Jackson rushes for under 50 yards again. Kenneth Dixon needs to have a big day as well.

Next. 10 observations from Ravens season finale. dark

Baltimore needs to run, run, run the ball. They need to take the air out of the football, protect it and have it lead to touchdowns. One impact the Ravens offense had in week 16 was it got the Chargers offense out of sync. When the Ravens had drives of four minutes or more (they had three such drives) the Chargers just had to wait. The running game is the ticket to the Divisional Round of the NFL Postseason. Lamar Jackson, Gus Edwards, Kenneth Dixon and even Ty Montgomery need to have good performances.

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