With Week 1 behind us, it is time to focus on the Ravens Week 2 match-up at San Diego.
Both San Diego, and Baltimore are teams dealing with sky-high expectations. Both organizations envision making deep post-season runs.
As the Chiefs, and Raiders reminded these teams in Week 1, what you did last year, does not matter much in the NFL. Nobody cares what you did last year.
If the Ravens are fortunate enough to get back to the post-season, it is highly-possible they could face the Chargers for a 2nd-time this season.
In the AFC West, it is hard to see the Chargers being tested. This is going to put them in the drivers-seat for home-field advantage in the conference.
If the Ravens can go on the road and win, not only does that announce to the league who you are in 2009, but it could help make sure that any rematch between the teams, is held in Baltimore.
A few Ravens vs. Chargers match-ups to watch:
1) Oakland had success last-night running between the tackles. The NFL is a copy-cat league, where teams run plays to death, until it is proven that the opposition has made an adjustment.
Expect Baltimore to try and be physical with the Chargers, and run the ball right at San Diego.
2) Norv Turner told ESPN that he believes Vincent Jackson can be a Top 5 NFL wideout by the end of 2009. The 6’5, 230 pound Jackson could provide match-up problems for the shorter Raven CB’s Foxworth, and Washington.
2a) Chambers is the forgotten man in San Diego, but if Jackson gets extended cover, that could free up Chambers on the opposite side.
3) Sproles averaged 34 yards a kick-off return last-night. The Ravens can not allow Sproles to get extended returns, and provide Rivers superior field-position.
4) Zach Miller torched San Diego last-night for 6 catches, and 96 yards as the TE. Can Heap put together back-to-back weeks of production?
5) Two former Terps – DE Shawne Merriman and OT Jared Gaither – get to battle each-other in the trenches. The winner of this match-up will have a lot to say about the ultimate team victor.
6) San Diego has an excellent trio of Corners in Jammer, Cromartie, and Cason. How will Flacco and the Ravens attack this group?
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.