The Arizona Cardinals and Baltimore Ravens both lost last week due to failed fourth quarter drives. This however, is one of the only similarities between the two teams this year.
The Cardinals started off the season 4-2, securing road wins in Detroit and Chicago. Over the first six games, Arizona has outscored their opponents by a tally of 203-115. The Ravens on the other hand, have started off 1-5 which is the worst record through six games in the history of the organization.
Keys to the Game: Baltimore Ravens
Bend, don’t break.
Through the first six games of the season the Ravens have given up 1,788 passing yards. 457 of the 1,788 yards were thrown by Josh McCown of the Cleveland Browns in week five. The Ravens will have to look to the likes of defensive veterans Jimmy Smith and Lardarius Webb to lead the defense this week, as Arizona targets the defensive secondary. Giving up long yardage plays is nothing new to the Ravens defense. Last year, the Ravens gave up 10 plays over 40 yards and 54 over 20 yards. However, breaking down completely and allowing teams to establish long play drives is a new habit that threatens to ruin this young season. The Ravens need to reestablish the mentality Ray Lewis built – bend, don’t break.
The return of “Joe Cool”
Since being drafted by the Ravens in 2008, Joe Flacco has not experienced a losing season until now. After the 25-20 loss to the San Fransisco 49ers, Flacco started his post game speech by stating that he cannot continue to turn the ball over. Flacco also recently stated in an after practice conference that in order for the Ravens to get back on track he first needs to delete the stupid uncharacteristic mistakes that he has come accustomed to in the past weeks. “Joe Cool” has to return if the Ravens want to salvage this season.
Don’t beat yourself
Through six games Baltimore has seen the yellow flag 45 times, which is tied for 11th in the league. A struggling team and a multitude of penalties is not the fromula the Ravens need. The defensive side of the ball has been partically alwful at commiting penalties. These penalties have allowed drives to continue. The Arizona Cardinals and Carson Palmer will look to create long drives that stretch the Ravens defense ,and penalties will only help the Cardinals secure the ball for longer.
Keys to the Game: Arizona Cardinals
Pass the Ball
The Ravens secondary has been depleted and remade throughout the 2015 season. Attacking the depleted secondary will allow play action and the run game to be established. The Baltimore secondary has been tested in every game this far and the Cardinals should continue that trend. The Ravens defense have given up an average of 286 pass yards per game, but Baltimore has only given up an average of less than 100 rushing yards, 95 yards to be exact.
Attack Joe Flacco
This season Flacco has looked uncharacteristically skittish and unsure. If Arizona can capitalize and make Flacco commit costly turnovers the game will easily fall into their hands. Arizona will look to the likes of LaMarr Woodley and Frostee Rucker to put constant pressure on Flacco. Jerraud Powers and Patrick Peterson will be tested with stopping the speedy and ageless Steve Smith, Sr.
Injuries:
Baltimore Ravens
Breshad Perriman, Kendrick Lewis, Maxx Willams (Knee), and Asa Jackson (Thigh) did not practice. Ladarius Webb (thigh) and Marshal Yanda were limited.
Arizona Cardinals
Darren Falls and Alex Okafor did not practice. Former Raven Cory Redding was limited in practice along with several others including wide reciever John Brown (hamstring).
Prediction: Arizona Cardinals 35, Baltimore Ravens 10
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