Will Ray Lewis play for the Ravens on Thanksgiving night? We’ll find out at game time….
Meanwhile, here’s a Turkey Day preview of the big game by our new staff writer, Ron Benamor….
Three Keys for a Victorious Thanksgiving by Ron Benamor
Thursday night the Ravens will face their biggest test yet, the previously unheralded but super-achieving 9-1 San Francisco 49’ers.
Jim Harbaugh, John’s brother, has taken a team once destined for the Andrew Luck sweepstakes, to a team on the brink of clinching its first playoff birth since 2002.
How have they done it you ask? With smash-mouth football. The 49ers are 6th in the league in rushing offense and 1st in run defense. However, Frank Gore has always put the 49ers on path for a good rushing season. And Patrick Willis has perhaps been the best MLB in the last 5 years.
However, it is first-pro-season head coach, Jim Harbaugh who is being credited for the 49er’s success this season. For once, the players believe that they are Super Bowl Contenders. His pregame chant has become an anthem for the 49er nation. “Who’s got it better than us. Nobody!”
However, San Francisco’s feasible schedule has contributed to much of it success thus far. Five of the team’s nine victories have come against opponents with a losing record. With the only wins against winning teams coming against Detroit, Cincinnati, New York Giants and Tampa Bay. Only winning by an average margin of five points. That being said, the Baltimore Ravens will undeniably be the best and most complete football team the 49ers have and will play all season long (with the exception of Pittsburgh on week 15). “We’re going against a team that is in our opinion the best team that we’ve played this season, maybe the best team that we play all season, the best defense without question,” Jim Harbaugh said. “A lot of things to overcome this week.”
The Ravens have had an up and down year, but can separate themselves for the rest of the pack with victory on Thursday. But in order for the Ravens to do so they must accomplish these three things:
Let Flacco do his thing: Ravens fans have pleaded to Cam Cameron and company to give the ball to Ray Rice more. They did last week with 20 attempts for 104 yards and 2 touchdowns. However, this game is different. The 49ers defense ranks first in the league in rushing defense, allowing a stifling 73.9 rushing yards per game. I’m not saying to completely ignore Ray Rice’s presence. He still should get at least 10 carries this game, however the Ravens should be patient. The Ravens need to work a 49ers pass defense that ranks 23rd in the league in pass defense, allowing 249.2 yards per game. With Torrey Smith emerging as of late, the best way for the Ravens to exploit the 49ers defense is to spread the field and allow Flacco to pick apart the defense. Not only will this allow for big play capability, but it also will open up opportunities for Ray Rice through draw plays and screen passes.
Focus on stopping the run: The 49er’s passing offense has been proficient, but in no ways explosive. They rank 28th in the league in plays of 40 yards or more and 24th in plays of 20 yards or more. Chuck Pagano shouldn’t hesitate to let Cary Williams and Lardarius Webb play man-to-man coverage on Thursday. Webb has proven that he can be a shutdown corner and Jimmy Smith has always been getting more and more reps as the season progresses. Not to mention, Ed Reed has always been a nightmare for opposing Quarterbacks. As a result, the Ravens need to shift their focus on stopping Frank Gore and rookie Kendall Hunter. Both running backs have allowed quarterback Alex Smith to become more of a game “manager” than a player who can put a team on his back. If the Ravens can shut down Gore and Hunter, then their offense will primarily run through Alex Smith. From there, the Ravens pass defense will put pressure on Smith and gobble up interceptions like it’s their job (Pun Intended).
Minimize the Turnovers: The Ravens committed three turnovers against Tennessee, two against Jacksonville and three against Seattle, resulting in a -6 turnover differential in the three losses. When Ed Dickson was asked about the similarities in the three losses, “The only thing I can pinpoint is turnovers, you’re not going to win the game turning over the ball.” Turnovers not only leave points on the field, but it gives other teams a shorter field to work with, keep the defense on the field longs and allows for other teams to score. The Ravens can’t afford to do this, especially if Ray Lewis is not ready to go. “Obviously, we have to protect the football,” Harbaugh said. “That’s how you lose football games.” Joe Flacco must make smart decisions, and players must hold on to the ball tight (yes, I’m talking to you Jimmy Smith). If the Ravens do this they will win the game. If the Ravens do these three things, victory is within reach.
The Ravens are prepared for the 49ers. They are playing in front of their home crowd, a raunchy one at that. This is their first thanksgiving battle and they will have a chance to show the NFL world the super bowl team that they are capable of being. In addition, San Francisco is playing in a short week, on top of making the long trip to the east coast. Frank Gore is banged up and he essentially runs the offense. A lot points in favor of Baltimore.
Prediction: I believe Flacco will put up big numbers in this one. 300 yards and 2 touchdowns. Torrey Smith continues to excel with 125 yards and 1 touchdown, while Boldin works the middle with a solid 95 yards. Ray Rice is shut down for the most part, with 11 carries and 65 yards and a goal-line score, but screen passes will get him 50 yards. Look for the defense to force Smith into throwing the ball. If they do, they will get at least a few interceptions. Ron Benamor’s prediction: “All that being said, Ravens win 24-14…” We’ll know the outcome in about 12 hours!
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