What you might see from the Baltimore Ravens

This is in no way meant to be a trash-talking post.  I just thought on offense you might like to know.

On Offense - Protecting and developing rookie QB Joe Flacco is almost as important as winning the game.  This wasn't a year the Ravens planned to contend, but Flacco is absolutely instrumental to our future.  This showed in the offensive gameplan against Cincinatti, where the Ravens ran 46 times.  Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron likes to use funky formations, such as the unbalanced offensive line (where the RT shifts to the left of the left tackle) to throw defenses off balance.  With former Bengals T Willie Anderson scheduled to play Sunday, there is some speculation that the Ravens will have sets where a Tackle reports eligible.  Most people seem to think it will be RT Adam Terry reporting eligible, but I suspect it might be LT Jared Gaither, who at 6 foot 9, could be a surprising pass catcher, especially in the end zone.  In any case, our offensively is young and athletic.  They absolutely dominated the Bengals last Sunday converting a perfect 6 out of 6 3rd and 1 conversions.  While both both of our starting tackles are question marks in pass coverage, we probably have one of the best interior offensive lines in the NFL.  In the passing game, we've so far relied on short passes, quick drops, the shotgun formation, no-huddle, and screens.  Flacco's largest completion against the Bengals was for 15 yards, although he underthrew a deep pass that had TD written all over it.  The key for Houston (this is kind of obvious) will be to force Flacco to win the game.  If the Ravens can make their gains with runs and screens, they'll keep beating it in all night.  Cincinnati controlled the ball for less than 7 minutes in the second half on Sunday.  Obviously our passing game, quarter back (and WRs) are our biggest weakness, but I honestly don't know how weak they are, as they haven't really had many opportunities.  TE Todd Heap was terrible last Sunday, but I expect that was just a little rust and a lot of statistical noise.

On Defense:  Everyone knows what the Ravens defense is about.  And everyone knows who Ed Reed and Ray Lewis are, so I won't go into that.  Our Defense was 6th in the NFL in yards allowed last year, but still was a disappointment due to a severely injured secondary.  Neither Chris McCallister nor Samari Rolle played 8 games last season, but both will play Monday.  In addition, Ed Reed will play despite his injury, although he likely won't be doing much hitting, instead being held back to play center field (which was usually his job last year).  I believe that Ravens nose tackle Kelly Gregg is one of the (if not THE) most underrated player in the NFL.  Although he never has made a pro-bowl, he regularly stops running plays dead cold, often making the tackle himself despite being double teamed.  However, he is questionable to play on Monday (my guess, however, is that he will play).  His replacement, Justin Bannan, is not much of a break for Houston, as the kid is very strong.  Our weak point is definitely our corner backs, but Samari and Chris are quite good, and will play through pain.  If I were Houston I'd try to play out of 3WR 1TE 1RB sets to attempt to expose our nickel backs, as they are not very good players (Nickelback Fabian Washington is good, but he is doubtful for Sunday).  A good 3rd WR would severely expose our lack of depth at corner.  Owen Daniels might do the trick, but SS Dawan Landry is really quite a good player, and while Owen may win that matchup, it's not by much.  Defensive Coordinator Rex Ryan lives and dies by the blitz.  Expect heavy pressure on the QB, but if Matt Shaub can stay on his feet and keep his wits he will be able to find open receivers.

I really expect this to be a defensive game determined by who turns the ball over, but the key for Houston in winning the matchup will be to stop the Ravens rushing attack, as otherwise the Ravens will be able to control the ball and the game.  On offense, its up to Matt Shaub to be able to air it out against the Ravens secondary.  QBs who fare well against us usually are quick with their throws and willing to spread the ball among their receivers.