Courtesy: Kim Klement – USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens have never defeated the Indianapolis Colts on their home turf and are looking to do so in order to further legitamize themselves as contenders in the AFC.
Baltimore enters the game at 3-1, but still displays some holes that could be exposed by a good opponent like Indianapolis.
Andrew Luck is one of the top quarterbacks in the league and if he has watched any film on the Ravens intently, he will be able to notice the struggles the secondary has gone through thus far in 2014. The two safety positions in particular have been inconsistent all season long as Darian Stewart and Matt Elam — the usual starters at free and strong safety respectively — have been caughting play-watching instead of locating the football and these mistakes have been the catalysts of several big plays allowed by the defense.
Offensively, Baltimore has run the football much better this season and have been efficient in throwing the football for the most part. However, the Ravens’ receivers have dropped far too many balls stalling drives that could lead to more points. It’s one thing to take care of the football by not turning the ball over, but not concentrating when a ball is on the money can really hinder an offenses confidence.
When the game kicks off at 1:00 PM today, here are three Ravens to keep an eye out for today:
1. CB – Asa Jackson
Even though Lardarius Webb is active today for the Ravens, there is no guarantee he will see the field on a full-time basis. Webb wasn’t active last week against the Panthers as he rested his lingering lower back injury. While he played against the Browns the previous week, he looked rusty and sluggish as it was his first game action all season long.
That means guys like Asa Jackson will have to step up in the nickel role and potentially a role as one of the top two corners.
Jackson showed his capabilities last week against the Panthers that he can start in this league. While the Panthers have struggled offensively all year long, Asa was step-for-step with each receiver he faced and turned his head around to look back at the football — a problem that has hindered his teammate Chykie Brown.
The Colts like to throw the football so expect a heavy dose of Jackson, especially if a deep threat like T.Y. Hilton is having success early.
2. SS – Matt Elam
Elam filled in as a nickel corner for the Ravens last week. While he was step-for-step with each receiver, he continued to struggle in locating the football when the ball is in his vicinity.
Luckily, Elam may not have to play that role as much today for the Ravens, but he and Darian Stewart will be crucial in keeping each throw in front of them.
That is much easier said than done.
Baltimore has struggled in playing cover 2 this season. It is essential for the two high safeties to divide the field in half and control those halves. There are no support from the corners on deep routes as the corners will usually play hook/curl zones 10-15 yards underneath.
If you saw Kelvin Benjamin’s touchdown last week, that was caused by a breakdown by the safeties in cover 2. Cam Newton can make all of the throws, but Andrew Luck can make them better.
3. TE – Owen Daniels
In the absence of Dennis Pitta, Owen Daniels answered the call and played well thus far for the Ravens.
Daniels has never been known for his blocking, but he has given Joe Flacco a reliable target over the seams as the now No. 1 target at tight end.
This game will likely be higher scoring as both teams like to throw the deep ball and have had success doing so this season. It will likely come down to which team can hold the football longer and accumulate drawn out drives that lead to touchdowns. Look for Daniels to be one of the top two guys — Steve Smith Sr. as the other option — to help Joe Flacco in moving the chains on third and long.
Prediction:
Colts – 31
Ravens – 27
