Baltimore Ravens vs. Oakland Raiders: 5 Keys to Victory
By Joe Serpico
Sep 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws the ball in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Ravens Offensive Tackles vs. Raiders Pass Rush
Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware were constantly in the Ravens backfield last week, sacking Flacco twice and hitting him nine times. The Broncos duo of pass rushers is one of the best in the NFL, but the Raiders have a pretty good combo of ends as well.
Eugene Monroe‘s status is still up in the air for Sunday so it’s possible that James Hurst is in the lineup Sunday. Whoever starts at left tackle and Ricky Wagner are in for another battle with three guys who excel at rushing the passer. The Raiders have added Aldon Smith to a terrific pass rush that also features Justin Tuck and Khalil Mack. Oakland failed to generate a sack in the opening week, but if the Ravens tackles play like they did a week ago, they will earn a few on Sunday.
The offense was ineffective a week ago in large part of the pressure on the outside. Flacco was unable to sit in the pocket comfortably because of the Broncos pass rush, and they cannot let that be the case again on Sunday. One of the ways to slow down that pass rush is with an effective ground game.
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