As Saturday night comes closer, the news most concerning to me is the health of Jared Gaither.
If Gaither’s ankle prevents him from going (or performing), I think the Ravens are going to have all types of trouble.
Dwight Freeney has 13.5 sacks, and Robert Mathis has 9.5 sacks of his own.
The Ravens need their tackles to control these two pass-rushers, to give Flacco time to attack down the field.
No matter what, the speed of the Colts defensive ends, teamed with that loud stadium is going to present an issue for the Ravens on passing downs. While I suspect that Baltimore should have success on the ground, as their O-line bull-rushes the smaller Colts; I am worried about multiple false-start and holding penalties from the line when they elect to pass.
If the Ravens are forced to play without Gaither, or with a severely limited Gaither, the problems that present are clear. You would be looking at a situation where either Freeney has his way with a hurting Gaither, or Mathis dominates Oher’s replacement at RT.
Gaither has to play, and he has to play well.
If Gaither can not go at-all, I think the best option at that point would be to put Yanda at RT, and allow Chester to again step-in at RG.
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.