Week 11: Must Win Trap Game
This week’s matchup against the Aaron Rodgers-less Packers sounds like a game that the Ravens should have no trouble winning right? Just don’t tell that to anyone in the Ravens locker room. This has all the makings of a classic trap game. The defense will do its part to hold the Packers offense under 17 points in my opinion; but the real question is will the offense put up enough points to win the game? The second caveat is that the Ravens at (4-5) are only one game out of the final wild card spot which is currently held by the Buffalo Bills (5-4) who just benched their regular starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor in favor of their 5th round draft pick Nathan Peterman. It’s all there for the Ravens taking, but the question is, will they?
It all starts with putting pressure on quarterback Brett Hundley. The running backs for the Packers are banged up, Ty Montgomery (ribs) and Adam Jones (knee) will both be limited. Even though Hundley held his own against a pretty good Bears defense last week I don’t think he will be able to put up a repeat performance against the swarming Ravens defense. Look for defensive coordinator Dean Pees to take advantage of the young quarterback by throwing different blitz and coverage disguises at him. While it would be nice to ask the Ravens for a repeat performance of the game they put together against the Dolphins with two defensive touchdowns, that would be unfair. I do think they will put the offense in advantageous positions to score points but its on Joe Flacco and the offense to capitalize. The Packers run defense is giving up four yards-per-carry this year so look for the Ravens to follow suit and crank up the Alex Collins and Buck Allen train until the wheels fall off. The Ravens pass offense is struggling this year averaging a league worst 5 yards per attempt but I think the Ravens wont have to rely much on Joe Flacco’s arm so that shouldn’t be a problem.
When its all said and done I have the Ravens winning 27-13 with the defense leading the way forcing 3 turnovers giving the offense easy opportunities.
