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The way I see it...
Their running game versus our run defense...push. I think their OL is good, but so is our DL and our linebackers move quite well. Our secondary is damn god in run support as well. They may have a couple nice runs up the a gaps, but I think we keep everything else in check for the most part.
Their passing game versus our pass defense...advantage us. Seriously, I think we have had trouble with speedy receivers thus far, but have done well against possession guys like the Ravens have. I think that if we can find a way to get the lead in this one, we can hold the lead. Carr and Flowers should do well against Mason and Boldin IMO and I think Arenas has what it takes to keep their slot guy (stallworth) in check. DJ has the tools to take their tightends away from too much open space as well. If Hali is able to get consistent pressure we should be able to force Flacco into some errand throws that we can make a play on. We should have chances to be opportunistic against their passing game.
Our running game against their run defense...advantage Ravens. I hate typing this one out, but Casey Weigman isnt big enough to play against these guys. No matter who is across from him, he is gonna need help and that will likely dictate what plays we will be able to run against their front. Hopefully, after we try a few times to run up the gut to no avail, we will abandon ship on trying and focus on what we should be able to do to them. We need to run perimeter runs and try to get Jamaal to the sidelines as much as possible. We might as well deactivate Thomas Jones for this one. DMC should get a lot of carries in this game. If I was coordinating this game, I would have Jamaal slotted for 25 touches and DMC to get 15-20 more. We would have both on the field A LOT.
Our Passing game against their secondary...this one will likely swing one way or the other depending on if Ed Reed plays or not. If he is out, we have some spots we can take advantage of in the passing game and we should be able to take them out of their game by doing so. They really dont have anyone that can take Bowe out of the game in coverage and they may even have trouble covering Tucker. We should also try to get Charles and DMC in space out of the backfield as we could have some serious matchups against their linebackers in this area. A huge factor that will likely tell the tale here is how well our line protects Cassel and allows him to go through his reads. If Cassel has time, he can help us sustain drives. If Reed is out, I feel we have a slight advantage in this area and if Reed plays at 100%, they have the advantage.
Special teams...slight advantage goes to us, but its close. I think they have a slight advantage in place kicking, but that we have a distinct advantage in punters...the return game is pretty close, enough so that I would call it a push.
I see this one being a low scoring game that we have a good chance to win if we can find a way to put up points by any means necessary...maybe even on a return on special teams or defense. I think that if we score 17, we win this game.
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