Baltimore Ravens vs Atlanta Falcons: Three Bold Predictions

Oct 12, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) and inside linebacker Daryl Smith (51) get pumped up as they work out prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Ravens will hold the Falcons under 300 yards of total offense

Anyone who reads my writing on a consistent basis may be surprised by this prediction. I harp on the Ravens’ secondary and Dean Pees all the time. And yes, the Ravens’ secondary is still pretty bad. What’s working in the Ravens’ favor, though, is how thoroughly one-dimensional the Falcons are.

The Ravens will be completely able to sell out against the pass, as Steven Jackson strikes fear in no one. The Ravens have already slowed down some of the better rushing attacks in the league, so they should have no trouble stopping the Falcons mediocre backs and below-average run blocking.

Forced to be one-dimensional, the Falcons will struggle to throw the ball. The Ravens’ pass rush should get to Matt Ryan consistently, and the Ravens will be playing pass more often than not.

That adds up to a surprisingly excellent performance from a secondary in a constant state of flux.

Make no mistake, the Falcons will produce through the air. It won’t be enough, though, to overcome the lack of running, and that should hold the Falcons under 300 yards.