Ravens: Top 6 keys to victory in Week 10 against the Dolphins
By CJ Errickson
This Ravens’ wide receivers should be thrilled with this matchup
It may sound odd saying that the Ravens wide receivers should be thrilled in going up against the likes of cornerbacks Byron Jones and Xavien Howard, but the fact is that they are struggling this season.
Both cornerbacks are allowing over 10 yards per catch when targeted in coverage. In addition, between the two, they have only generated two interceptions on the season. This is in part due to the Dolphins’ aggressive press-man coverage scheme.
It’s a scheme predicated around causing pressure, and when the pass rush is not adequate, the secondary is exposed. Look for players like Rashod Bateman and Marquise Brown to get plenty of opportunities in single coverage.
Two years ago, Brown made the most against this very same defensive concept.
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The Dolphins’ rush defense will force Ravens’ offensive coordinator Greg Roman to get creative
While their pass defense is subpar, the Dolphins possess a middle-of-the-road run defense. They have yet to allow over 150 yards total rushing in any contest in 2021.
In addition, they have held their opponents to under 100 total yards rushing in three out of nine of their games this season. Their run defense is not elite by any means, but one cannot just utilize bland rushing concepts against them.
At times this season, the Ravens’ conventional rushing attack (with running backs) has appeared stale. As long as Baltimore keeps variety in the rush concepts that they use, they should avoid Miami’s more prominent run defenders in Zach Sieler and Christian Wilkins from taking over.
Their defense may seem underwhelming at times, but they cannot be taken lightly. On the other hand, Baltimore’s defense should smell blood in the water to return to their once-dominant ways this Thursday.