The Ravens are an overtime kick away from being undefeated through the first quarter of the season.
As it is, they’re 3-1, tied for 1st place in the conference, and at home for the next month. All in all, things are shaping up very well for them. Although the injuries continue to be a thorn in their collective side, the team has found a way to perform at a high level despite their mounting ailments.
This Monday night, the Colts come to town for the Ravens’ third primetime game in five weeks. Indianapolis (1-3, T-2nd in the AFC South) will enter Week 5 almost as banged up as Baltimore. Last week, the Colts were without their top rookie (EDGE Kwity Paye) and their best overall player (G Quenton Nelson).
Here are the three main areas in which the Ravens need to be successful if they want to be victorious Monday night.
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Stop the Run
Last week, Indianapolis won their first game of the year, 27-17, over Miami. The Colts beat the Dolphins behind Jonathan Taylor’s 103 rushing yards (on only 16 carries) and 14-minute-plus advantage in time of possession.
It would behoove Baltimore to put the onus on Indy QB Carson Wentz, who’s still recovering from two ankle injuries. Wentz is without key offensive linemen and receivers. Therefore, if Baltimore’s ever-dangerous pass rush can really get loose, it could be a long, long game for Wentz and company.
Big plays early
Whenever teams play in primetime, they tend to ratchet up the effort to show why they’re on that premier platform. Indianapolis has only scored eight touchdowns in their four games this season. They know that if each team is at their best, they cannot compete with Baltimore—and Baltimore knows that as well. Therefore, Baltimore ought to go for the chunk plays on their first drive. If Lamar Jackson can connect early with his big-play threats, it’ll boost Baltimore’s confidence, erode Indy’s hope, and force the Ravens faithful into a frenzy.
When two teams are going in opposite directions and they know the pressure is on, big plays can put games away early. Even though they’re 3-1, the Ravens know they haven’t played their best football yet. This Monday night, though not a given win by any stretch, represents a perfect opportunity for the Ravens to clean up a lot of their recent mistakes.
Look for James Proche, Hollywood Brown, and Le’Veon Bell to have multiple big-play opportunities in this game.
Penalties
Simply put, the Ravens need to play a clean game this week. One of the only ways the Colts can compete is if the Ravens help them by way of penalties (or turnovers). The Ravens average 63 yards of penalties against per game. While that’s pretty good compared to the rest of the league, it could only take one penalty for the Colts to find a spark.
The Colts are a very disciplined team, only committing 17 penalties all season thus far (2nd-best in the NFL). While penalties alone aren’t the main arbiter of how a game will turn out, we’ve all seen how they can be very influential at the least convenient time.
Vegas
According to Vegas Insider, the Ravens are favored by 7 points on Monday night, with the over/under set at 46.0. If you care to wager, I’d give the points and take the over. I think the Colts may make it a game for a quarter, maybe a half. But after that, I don’t see how Baltimore’s speed and force can be matched, in any way, by Indianapolis.
Ravens 34, Colts 13
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.
To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.