The Ravens and the Redskins will do battle on Sunday for just the fifth time in the regular season. From their practice facility to the Redskins’ stadium, the Ravens will travel just 51 miles down I-95.
Courtesy: Baltimore Ravens
In their previous four meetings, the Redskins have beaten the Ravens just once (10-3, 10/15/00). But if the Ravens win on Sunday, they will secure their third-straight 10-win season, and the fourth in John Harbaugh’s five years as head coach.
If you’ve seen (or heard) anything about the Redskins this season, you know Robert Griffin III is as dynamic of a player as there is in this league. Sure he’s a rookie and is flawed, but if you’re not disciplined, he will make you pay.
It’s likely that the Ravens will have to win an offensive game on Sunday, as the Redskins are capable of scoring in multiple ways.
Fortunately for Baltimore, they are already having the third-best offensive season in team history. Unfortunately, they will have to keep pace with the league’s top-ranked rushing attack (167.2 yards per game).
The Ravens are 4-2 on the road this season. They were 4-4 on the road in 2011. So while there is improvement, this is not the time to take it easy. Also this week, the Steelers will host the Chargers and the Patriots will host the Texans in what will be huge games in the AFC playoff picture.
Here are my three keys to the game for Baltimore:
1.) Contain Robert Griffin III
Courtesy: Baltimore Sun
While he does have a very strong and accurate arm, Robert Griffin III will hurt you more when he breaks the pocket. Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard are playing at a high level this year, so the threat of deep throws should be secondary (no pun intended) to the threat of Griffin’s ability to scramble.
2.) Score first
The Redskins have been playing good football lately, but they’re still 6-6 for a reason. While they are talented, if you get an early lead on them, you’ll force them to press. They are not nearly as experienced as the Ravens are.
If Baltimore can score first and maintain the lead, it should force the Redskins to (somewhat) abandon outstanding running game.
3.) Control the clock
While running with Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce is a smart way to control the time of possession, the Ravens can still do that via short passes out of the no-huddle offense. That will establish rhythm within your own offense and will keep Griffin, Morris and Pierre Garcon off the field.
Resting your defense as much as possible before they host the Manning brothers in successive weeks wouldn’t be a bad idea, either.
