Offensive Keys:
1.) Max Protect: In the first match-up between Pittsburgh and Baltimore, the
Ravens did an excellent job of keeping quarterback Anthony Wright clean. The
line and extra blockers (backs and tight ends) picked up the Steelers’ blitz
attack flawlessly. The Ravens used sound protection schemes like keeping six or
seven blockers inside or sliding the line in order to block the extra defenders
that Pittsburgh brought in passing situations. The Ravens will need to protect
just as well against Pittsburgh in the rematch, although there is a chance that
because Baltimore used so many maximum protection packages that Pittsburgh may
counter by using more zone blitzes.
2.) Running the ball out of the spread formation: When the Ravens do spread the
field using three or four-receiver alignments, they should use these packages to
open up running lanes for Chester Taylor, Musa Smith or Jamal Lewis to run
through. With the linebackers forced to leave their positions near the middle to
cover receivers flanked on the outside of the tackle box, there will be more
room for Lewis and the other backs to work with than they normally have to work
with when they run the ball out of a base power formation. In addition, running
the ball out of the spread formation in long-distance conversion situations is a
good way to exploit a potentially aggressive Pittsburgh blitz attack.
3.) Dump offs and screens: To their credit, the offensive coaching staff has
tried to establish some semblance of a screen passing game this season; it’s
just that the plays they have employed haven’t worked due to poor execution or
poor play-calling. That said, it will be key for the backs to be a factor in the
passing game if the Ravens want to manage any offensive rhythm. Chester Taylor
especially should be looked at as a primary option coming out of the backfield.
Defensive Keys:
1.) Baiting Maddox: With quarterback Tommy Maddox at the helm of the Pittsburgh
attack as opposed to Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers are much more likely to
use a safer offensive game-plan. Maddox will not be trusted to throw the ball
around 30 times as Roethlisberger did against the Ravens on Halloween. With that
thought in mind, the Ravens will need to take advantage of the few times that
Maddox does attempt a pass by flooding the zones to force him to throw the ball
into tight coverage. Maddox tends to force passes into double coverage instead
of simply getting rid of the football or throwing to a check down option. Even
though the Ravens have yet to quench their turnover thirst, they still have the
playmakers and scheme to force a pick or two.
2.) Getting off the field: In order to stay fresh, the defense needs to be able
to get off of the field on third-down. The offense has been unable to help the
defense in any way in the time of possession category, so it is completely up to
the defense to help themselves out by forcing more three-and-outs. Against a
Maddox led Pittsburgh attack, the opportunities to execute this strategy should
be plentiful, especially if the Ravens can stuff Pittsburgh’s rushing attack on
first-down.
3.) McAlister’s head check: McAlister has been in a slump the past two Sundays,
but he has a chance to redeem himself against Hines Ward. Ward usually does a
nice job of getting in McAlister’s head to force McAlister to play outside of
his game. In fact, Ward was able to take advantage of the cushions that
McAlister provided in coverage in the last battle between the two sides. It is
time for No.21 to start playing at the Pro-Bowl level he is capable of playing
at.
One-on-one Match-up to Watch: Casey Hampton versus Mike Flynn
Dev Panchwagh is a long-time member of the
Ravens Insider staff. Talk to him about
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