Ravens Gameday Preview
The Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos square off in Mile High as the Ravens look to move to 3-1. While the Denver Broncos lead by quarterback Teddy Bridgwater look to remain unbeaten.
Le’Veon Bell Activated
Running back Le’Veon Bell will be active and available for the Ravens. Bell who signed to the Ravens practice squad in September will look to add a change of pace out of the backfield. Its unknown how many snaps Bell will play but the Ravens have said to have been pleased with Bell’s progress and feel that he will be key for the Ravens on Sunday both in the run game, but more importantly in the pass game. Bell’s activation means that regular starter Ty’Son Williams will be inactive. Williams has seen his touches diminish each week will Latavius Murray getting more and more carries. Williams has struggled in pass protection and is likely the main reason for him being inactive as the Broncos will no doubt look to pressure Lamar Jackson all day.
Ravens Pass Rush and Secondary
The Ravens have yet to show much of any kind of pass rush allowing opposing quarterbacks to pass for 944 total yards at 11.8 yards per pass attempt. The lack of pass rush has put a strain on the Ravens secondary forcing them to cover longer allowing for bigger plays. While the Ravens have been very effective in stopping the run even though their struggles to tackle, specifically from the linebacker position. The Broncos will look to keep the ball in the hands of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, as the Broncos will use screens and and short passes as “runs”, to move the ball on the Ravens defense. The Ravens will get some pressure on Bridgewater throughout the day but will fail to register a sack as Bridgewater will look to get rid of the ball quick limiting negative plays. Ravens cornerback Anthony Averett will be active as he was listed as questionable after suffering an ankle injury in practice on Thursday. The Ravens will however be without safety DeShon Elliott has he deals with a quad injury.
Prediction
The Ravens have struggled on defense this season and that will continue to be the case on Sunday as the Broncos will look to keep Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense on the sideline for much of the day. The Broncos lead the league in time of possession and Teddy Bridgewater has yet to throw an interception. That trend I believe will continue on Sunday as Bridgewater will have an efficient day as the Ravens continue to look for an identity on defense. The Ravens offense will look to have more success then they did last Sunday against the Detroit Lions. Jackson who has thrown an interception in each game this season, this time will play clean turnover free football. While the Broncos will have success the Ravens offense will return to its run first formula rushing for over 200 yards as a team as they will look to minimize hits to Lamar Jackson as the Ravens offensive line will have a tough time keeping Broncos All-Pro defensive end Von Miller from frequenting the Ravens backfield. Marquise Brown will make up for his poor game last week and will find the end zone, while not dropping a pass.
While many experts are picking the Broncos to come away with a win at home. The Ravens are one point road favorites. I think the Ravens will do just enough to win and move to 3-1. It will be close but the Ravens again win on a Justin Tucker field goal as time expires, Ravens win 27-24 hitting the over for the game which is set at 44.5.
