Eyes in the Backfield Ravens (playoff)

18 Things to Watch for During Saturday Night’s Colts/Ravens Game

Eyes in the Backfield Ravens (playoff)

It’s playoff time

It’s finally upon us.  All the talk, all the waiting, all the hopes and fears of an entire season will come to a head on Saturday night at the Luke.  We’ll all be watching.  Here’s what to keep your eye on:

1.  Watch the shift.  The Ravens have undergone a total makeover since last we saw them. Early in the season, they let fly with Flacco.  Check out his attempts and passing yards per game:
Through Week 13: 34 attempts, 240 yards
Week 14-Playoffs:21 attempts, 153 yards
40% fewer attempts and 34% fewer yards

They leaned far more heavily on their running game:

Combined Rice, McGahee rushing attempts and yards per game:
Through Week 13: 21 attempts, 96 yards
Week 14-Playoffs:30 attempts, 191 yards
43% more attempts and 100% more yards

This isn’t the same Ravens offense we faced in November. It’s a run first attack.  Tip to Rick for the stats.

2.  Watch the goat.  Last year, Gijon Robinson’s inexcusable failure to lay even a mitt on Dobbins ruined the Colts season.  He was inactive for the first game with the Ravens, but his replacement, Tom Santi, had a huge day catching the ball as Dallas Clark was largely shut down.  Robinson could once again be a huge factor in a playoff game and has a chance to redeem himself.

For more, just click…

Arrow to top