1, We know that Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs are the main attraction to the Ravens offense. What is the X-factor that could catch the Ravens off guard?
The one X-Factor for me this week is actually a former Baltimore Raven in John Brown. Last year, Brown had an excellent season with over 1,000 receiving yards but this year has been a bit of a struggle due to injuries. He finally returned in Week 17 and had four receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown but this past week against the Colts had no receptions and only four targets.
The question will be which John Brown do the Bills get because when he is involved and effective, this offense is very tough to stop. However, when he is struggling they become more stagnant. I think the reason is because of the speed he brings to this offense and the way he is able to get over the top starts to force defenses back and then it opens up those short and intermediate routes for Stefon Diggs and Cole Beasley.
If John Brown is able to get involved early and makes some deep catches it should give this offense a much better chance of moving the ball on this tough Ravens’ defense.
2. Which players on defense could give Lamar Jackson’s dynamic playmaking ability the most trouble? Can the Bills bottle him up?
It is really going to have to be a team effort in containing Lamar Jackson and the best way they are going to be able to do that is by keeping him in the pocket. It is going to start on the defensive line and someone like Ed Oliver who is quicker and more explosive than the typical interior defensive linemen can have a big impact.
However, the one play that it is really going to hinge on is Tremaine Edmunds. He is only 22 years old but is in his third year starting in this defense. It is going to be on him to call out the adjustments and get everyone lined up prior to the snap. Once the ball has been snapped he does have enough speed to get sideline to sideline so when Jackson does escape the pocket he needs to get in position to make the tackle or slow him down enough for the other defenders to close on the Ravens’ quarterback.
3. What is your impression of the Ravens coming into this game? Is this a team you expect to beat easy or a team that gives you some concern?
At this point of the season, there isn’t a team that I expect the Buffalo Bills to beat just because of the level of talent left in the playoffs. The Baltimore Ravens are a tough matchup because the Bills have struggled against the run which the Ravens do very well. They also have one of the best defenses in the league so is Josh Allen able to navigate that and put points up on the board.
There was some questions middle of the season about this team but they entered the playoffs on a six-game win streak and seemed to right the ship. This is an experienced team, from the players on the field to the coaching staff, and I expect them to be well prepared and this being a very close game.