Baltimore Ravens: 5 Matchups to Watch vs. Buffalo Bills
By Joe Serpico
![Dec 6, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) looks on as quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) runs the ball during the second half against the Houston Texans at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo beat Houston 30-21. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports Dec 6, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) looks on as quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) runs the ball during the second half against the Houston Texans at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo beat Houston 30-21. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/862a4485ab024fe4540c81a2457429968ed1fd472927c32c1a65718902a90b45.jpg)
Containing Tyrod Taylor
A running joke in Baltimore used to be that whoever was the man behind Flacco would never see the field. For the four years that Tyrod Taylor was the backup, he attempted only 35 passes and failed to score a touchdown. So of course, Taylor heads to Buffalo and becomes a Pro Bowler the same season the Ravens went through four quarterbacks.
We know what to expect from Taylor. He is a dual threat quarterback that can beat you through the air, but also does damage on the ground. He averaged nearly 217 yards passing and 40 yards rushing in his first season as a starter, and one would expect him to take the next step in year two with the Bills.
The key for Dean Pees and the defense will be to keep Taylor in the pocket. He is a bigger threat when he is on the move as he can keep drives alive with his legs. The Ravens struggled to get off the field on third down last season, allowing on average 8 yards a play on third down.
With Watkins, McCoy and Taylor, the Bills have playmakers on offense so the Ravens defense will have their work cut out for them. This is the type of team they need to beat in order to get back to the promise land.
Next: Top RB vs. Top Run Defense