The defending Super Bowl Champion Saints arrive in Baltimore with a 10-3 record, having won 6 games in a row, scoring 30+ points in five straight weeks.
The Saints are looking like they will have a legitimate chance to defend their crown at Super Bowl XLV in Dallas. Since the Saints are an NFC team, this is the game the Ravens can most afford to lose of their remaining schedule. However, this game means plenty for Baltimore as another measuring stick.
The Ravens always carry themselves as a confident bunch, but another victory over a quality team would help them continue to believe they can beat anyone, anywhere.
If there is any chance in slowing the high-powered New Orleans offense, the Ravens are going to have to get some pressure on Brees. The Saints are very strong on the interior of their O-line. LG Carl Nicks was named to the All-Rookie team by Sporting News, and Pro Football Weekly in 2008. Center Jonathan Goodwin, and RG Jahri Evans both went to the Pro Bowl last year. I do feel good about Suggs on the outside against LT Jermon Bushrod (Towson University).
The Saints 4 leading wideouts (Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Lance Moore, and Robert Meachem) have combined for 189 receptions and 2,448 yards. I think it is pretty clear that New Orleans will attempt to spread the Ravens out and use 3 and 4 WR sets often. When the Saints spread the field, I want to see the Ravens bring the house with pressure. While it is true that would leave the Ravens more susceptible to big hits down the field, it represents the best chance for Baltimore to put Brees in the turf. I’d rather see the Ravens take the chances of being beat over the top, vs. watching Baltimore drop 8 and Brees tearing up the soft-zone.
Of course if the Ravens prove able to get some pressure on New Orleans, the Saints have the option of going to a 2 TE set to try and improve the blocking. Illustrating just how dangerous the New Orleans offense is, it has to be noted that the TE’s Jeremy Shockey and David Thomas have combined for 67 grabs of their own.
The Saints have played most of this season without their RB’s Reggie Bush, and Pierre Thomas. Stepping up in their absence has been the rookie Christopher Ivory. Ivory, who has averaged 5.3 yards per carry, injured his hamstring this past weekend and will be limited if he does play. Both Bush, and Thomas have returned in recent weeks, but their use has been limited. Assuming Ivory can not go, it will be interesting to see how much Bush and Thomas can provide. The New Orleans offense has been different with Ivory as opposed to the vets. Ivory has just 1 reception this year, while Bush and Thomas have always been strong receivers out of the back-field.
All of this talk about the Saints offense, and we have not even begun to discuss the other-side of the ball. The New Orleans defense will come into Sunday’s game ranked 6th overall, including 5th against the pass (with 26 sacks). The rush defense though is ranked just 16th.
Getting pressure on Brees is important, but establishing the running game is paramount. The Ravens have to be able move the clock, and keep the Saints off the field as long as possible. If Baltimore can not run the ball effectively at home against a mediocre run defense, this team has zero chance of accomplishing anything in the playoffs. If the Saints sell out to stop the run, by putting 8 in the box; then give New Orleans a taste of their own medicine by spreading their defense out with our own 3 and 4 receiver looks.
The Saints run a 4-3 defense, with their 2008 1st round pick DT Sedrick Ellis being the star of their line. DE Alex Brown had some success with the Bears in his 8 years in Chicago, but has just 1 sack with New Orleans in his first year as a Saint.
Among the LB’s, the star is their 2x Pro Bowl MLB Jonathan Vilma. Surrounding him are the OLB’s Danny Clark, and Scott Shanle. Maybe I will be proven wrong on Sunday, but I do not see a lot to be afraid about from the Saints Front 7.
New Orleans has that high-ranked pass-defense, but surprisingly have just 9 interceptions for the season. Unlike the Front 7, the talent in the Secondary is pretty clear. They have a young and athletic group with the FS Malcolm Jenkins, CB Tracey Porter, and the Rookie CB Patrick Robinson (1st rounder from Florida State, current Nickleback). When the game starts, look to see which receiver CB Jabari Greer is matching-up with. I imagine that is who the Ravens will attempt to attack.
The Ravens have driven their fans crazy at times (myself included) this year with their minimal pass-rush, and the troubles they have had running the ball. If that continues Sunday, they will lose. My expectation is that Sunday will be a day where the Ravens put everything together and show their capabilities.
Run the ball, control the clock, put Brees on the ground, and do not settle for Field Goals. 31-28 Ravens.
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.