Baltimore Ravens vs. Oakland Raiders: 5 Keys to Victory
By Joe Serpico
The Baltimore Ravens enter their Week 2 matchup with a lot of questions after losing the season opener, 19-13, at the hands of the Denver Broncos. Joe Flacco had his team in position to potentially win the game, but was picked off in the end zone by Darian Stewart to end the Ravens drive.
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John Harbaugh and his team cannot dwell on the past and have to enter this week’s matchup against the Oakland Raiders with a sense of urgency. Harbaugh won’t say it, but this week is an early-season, must-win game. The Ravens cannot take this game lightly and start the season with an 0-2 mark before their home opener next week.
The Raiders find themselves in a similar situation. They started the season with a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and lost some key members of their team also. Quarterback Derek Carr is dealing with a hand injury and both starting safeties are likely out this week. It looks as though Carr should play Sunday, but if not, the Raiders will turn to Matt McGloin as their signal caller. For more news and notes about the Raiders, click here.
Everyone expects the Ravens to get the W this week, but you can’t assume anything in football. The Raiders are home for back-to-back weeks, while Baltimore is out on the West Coast for consecutive weeks. Baltimore has stayed in California as they have prepared for the Raiders, so there should be no excuses about the travel being an issue.
This is a game that the Ravens must have. The Bengals are looming next week and have had the Ravens number over the past few seasons. For the Ravens to find success at Oakland, here are this week’s five keys to victory:
Next: Protecting Flacco