Baltimore’s Sunday night victory against the Bengals was incredible. It felt like a playoff game. There was tangible relief felt by all Ravens fans that their team just accomplished something substantial. They didn’t just break a home losing streak. They beat the defending AFC Champions—a team who ran roughshod over them in both meetings last year.
Going forward, the Ravens must remain vigilant. The 2022 Giants are no pushover. Baltimore cannot concede early and risk playing from behind. Their best bet is to eliminate New York’s confidence from the jump, take the crowd out of the game, and force the Giants to beat them through the air.
Here are three ways the Ravens can climb to 4-2 and keep pressure on the rest of the AFC North.
Attack the edges
Baltimore’s pass rush is steadily improving. Jason Pierre-Paul has been doing very well, even with him only having been on the team less than three weeks. Tyus Bowser (and potentially David Ojabo) are set to return to practice this week as well, which is great news.
Which edge they choose to attack will be interesting. Left tackle Andrew Thomas is the highest-graded offensive lineman in football (according to Pro Football Focus’ Gordon McGuinness). Conversely, right tackle Evan Neal has allowed five sacks—tied for the most of any offensive lineman this season.
I don’t think Mike Macdonald will completely avoid trying to rush Thomas’ side, but it does make sense to skew the rush towards Neal. The only caveat would be to be alert to screens and counters toward the other side of the field (where, presumably, the defensive presence is going to be lighter).
Keep going, J.K.
J.K. Dobbins has performed well in his return from injury. He’s averaging 3.9 yards per carry and has scored two total touchdowns over the last two weeks. Coach John Harbaugh said Dobbins (and Ronnie Stanley) saw less action in the Cincinnati game due to a plan that was put in place that week (not due to injury).
The Giants rank 26th in football in rush yards allowed per game (131.6). If possible, it would make things simpler to pound the rock. That would neutralize any blitzes called by Wink Martindale and would get Dobbins into a groove, continuing his progress. A successful ground game Sunday would also alleviate shortcomings from the receiver position, as they would be called upon less and have more disguise when a play action pass is dialed up.
3rd down threats
Besides Mark Andrews and Devin Duvernay, who’s going to step up? Isaiah Likely needs more snaps in my opinion, as he has the ability to consistently convert 3rd downs. James Proche, too, has the ability to create mismatches against a defender.
I guess what I’m trying to say is nothing is going to happen unless someone makes it happen. Meaning, besides Andrews and Duvernay, there hasn’t been an offensive skill position player who’s consistently made big plays (besides Lamar, obviously). Against a Giants defense that is surely going to try to clamp down on Andrews, there has to be another player or two on the Ravens offense that makes them pay. Without certainty that Rashod Bateman will be back, this week is kind of like a preseason game for the other skill position players, as it’s an excellent opportunity to make a name for yourself on this year’s Ravens team.
The offensive identity of this team is pretty well formed, but the specific go-to guys aren’t set in stone yet. This is the perfect game for a Likely, Proche, Tylan Wallace, or Justice Hill to take the bull by the horns and dominate. However many touches you get, make them count.
Vegas
As of Wednesday morning, the line on this game was set at -5, favoring the Ravens. I personally think that’s too high, given how Baltimore and New York have played almost exclusively one-score games this season. The point total is a reasonable 44.5.
If this game were in Baltimore, I think Baltimore would enjoy a 2-score victory. However, New York is playing tough, especially at home, so I think whoever wins will do so by three or four points.
A lot will depend on how much of a groove Dobbins and the run game gets into. If they can establish their plan early, it’ll put more pressure on Daniel Jones and will allow Saquon Barkley less autonomy.
I think Baltimore is in for tough sledding this Sunday, and that the final score will be close. That said, I don’t see the Giants matching what the Ravens do for four quarters. Take the points for betting purposes but look for the Ravens to finish on top.
Prediction: Ravens 28, Giants 26
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
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