When the Baltimore Ravens take on the Houston Texans, there will be plenty of matchups for the team to attack and potentially dominate the lower-seeded Texans. However, there may also be some spots that the Ravens will want to avoid. One of those is Derek Stingley.
The Baltimore Ravens have to avoid Derek Stingley Jr. in the Divisional Playoffs
The former number three overall pick has started to find himself in his second season, and he is playing his best football at the right time. Stingley was injured and missed weeks two through nine. Since week 10, he has been the second-highest-graded cornerback in the NFL, per PFF.
He has six pass breakups, nine forced incompletions, and five interceptions. In the last three weeks, Stingley has allowed one catch for -6 yards on 108 coverage snaps. There is not a tougher matchup in the NFL right now.
The debate would be whether Stingley may follow one of the wide receivers, either Odell Beckham or Zay Flowers, or if he would stay on one side and see a little of everyone. If he does follow one of the wideouts, it would likely be Beckham.
Flowers is more of a gadget player who is used in motion and near the line. The Ravens use Beckham on the outside and attack down the field with him. Also, he is more experienced and knows how to play in the playoffs.
This would be a great test for Stingley, but the Ravens may realize that there will be better avenues to attack the Texans this weekend. Do not be surprised if the Ravens avoid Derek Stingley at all costs this weekend.