Cardinals @ Ravens Matchup
| 13
|
Week 3 brings some interesting match-ups to the forefront of the NFL, including when the Arizona Cardinals pay a visit to M&T Bank Stadium to play the Baltimore Ravens. While the Ravens are struggling to find the magic that led to a franchise record 13-3 season, the Cardinals are attempting to ride out the victory over defending division champion Seattle. The line is Baltimore -8, but I think the game could be a nail-biter for Ravens fans. Let's take a look at the positional breakdowns:
Ravens Run Offense vs. Cardinals Run Defense:
Willis McGahee and Musa Smith should enjoy some success on the ground, even without future Hall of Famer Jon Ogden. The offensive line did a nice job blocking the Jets pass rush and opened up some holes for McGahee in a conservative offensive scheme. With McNair's return, look for the Ravens to do what they attempted to do against the Bengals and set up the run by coming out passing. The Cardinals have a sub-par defensive line and the Ravens offensive line is young and talented. EDGE: RAVENS
Ravens Pass Offense vs. Cardinals Pass Defense:
It's time for the Ravens to stretch the field, something they haven't shown in the first two weeks of the season. The Ravens top receiver is Derrick Mason who has 15 catches for a mere 8.7 yards per catch and he ranks 16th in the AFC in receiving yards. Compare his average to that of the real top receivers in the AFC; Chad Johnson (19.0), Randy Moss (16.9), and Andre Johnson (18.7) and you begin to see the problem. But, Mark Clayton, the projected #1 receiver for the Ravens, has been nursing a foot injury for the first two weeks that has limited his productivity. This week, he's not even listed on the injury report. I've had to be patient and just work hard and try to take good care of myself," said Clayton. "It's not always about how you start the season, it's about how you finish it. There's a lot of football left to be played." Steve McNair will be back in action, which could be considered a bad thing considering his last two games. The Cardinals pass defense has improved significantly over the past few years, but with the Ravens at home... EDGE: RAVENS
Cardinals Run Defense vs. Ravens Run Defense:
The Ravens have quite possibly the best front 7 in all of football, even without Trevor Pryce. Edge and the Cardinals O-line have been doing very well, averaging 146 YPG on the ground as a team. One problem: starting rookie RT Levi Jones, who will be susceptible to both run and pass blitzes. EDGE: RAVENS
Cardinals Pass Offense vs. Ravens Pass Defense:
Last week, the Ravens secondary just didn't show up in the fourth quarter. “We just lost our way, and you can't lose your way," said secondary coach Dennis Thurman. "There was a lack of focus, a lack of discipline and a lack of communication, all the things you can't afford to do if you want to win a championship.” Well, guess who's coming to town? Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Fitzgerald is more of a deep threat, while Anquan Boldin is like Hines Ward on steroids (except he's not on steroids). Boldin is a big, powerful wide out that can block and run routes over the middle. Given the Ravens aggressive scheme, Samari Rolle will be forced to cover either of these two one-on-one, the potential for big plays is going to be there all game. EDGE: CARDINALS
Special Teams:
Neil Rackers has a hell of a boot and Matt Stover is consistent. Ravens rookie PR Yamon Figurs is explosive but inexperienced. DRAW
Prediction: Cardinals 17 - Ravens 24
