Basically the game of the week that isn't on primetime. But it's a great matchup defensively. The Chargers have the #1 overall defense and the Ravens have the #2 defense. The Ravens only gave up two touchdowns as opposed to the Chargers giving up one. They have all played some crappy teams and have a huge question mark if they are playoff worthy. But there is something that stands out, they are undefeated. This team is almost completely the same. From a run-first offense to pro bowl tight ends. Their monster defenses, but the Chargers get the upper hand on the offensive line. They haven't given up a sack yet compared to the Ravens. But the Ravens get the upper hand at the QB position. McNair, a co-MVP, is already a proven QB in the league for most of his career with the Tennessee Oilers/Titans. But the Chargers have a third year QB who was on the bench for most of his career. If you guys haven't known already, I made a huge bet for the week and I want to break it down so it's easy to see what Baltimore might do against the Chargers. Here are they keys to the game: 1. Stop the running game, LT: Hopefully the Ravens are watching some tapes of the Philidelphia-San Diego where they held LT to 7 yards and force them to pass the ball. I know Ray Lewis will try to dissect every move LT has and try to stop it. The Ravens may do that as well. It's obvious that they will put eight men in the box and stop them. The Ravens have a good linebacker corps and aren't afraid to defend the perimeter if LT breaks one to the outside. 2. Win the turnover battle: The Ravens are undefeated under Brian Billick when they have a 2 turnover margin over the opponent. So that means, they will try to get some interceptions, which is the most likely since it's a rare sight to see LT lose it. 3. Decisions, decisions, decisions: The Chargers play an aggressive style of defense and letting their cornerbacks go man-to-man. So let's hope McNair tries to exploit the matchup between Quentin Jammer and Derrick Mason. McNair has been safe so far by not forcing the ball, but they haven't played against a defense who was worth trying against. So let's hope McNair keeps it up. 4. Give Clayton the ball: By watching last week's game, the Ravens definetly saw something in Clayton to make them draft him. He is an explosive player. He caught 8 passes against Cleveland, six of them went for first downs. And he is third in first downs with eight, behind Derrick Mason, 12, and Jamal Lewis, 11. So trying to use what momentum he had at the end of last year trying to build on that. 5. Smash mouth football: The Chargers front seven feeds off speedy running backs. The Ravens figure to pound the ball up the middle with Jamal but try to stay away from the other Jamal, Williams that is. Key matchup: Shawne Merriman vs Johnathan Ogden Other tidbits you may have not known: With Ray Lewis in the luneup, the Ravens have not allowed a 100-yard rusher at home since Priest Holmes in October 4, 2004. Chargers linebacker, Shawne Merriman is returning to Maryland, his hometown. Trevor Pryce, has always had a great game against the Chargers, but that was when he was wit the Denver Broncos. The Ravens are one of the best when it comes to stopping the run, they have only allowed two runs for over seven yards and 22 runs for no or negative gain.
i fully expect the Chargers to win this game, Baltimore needed way too much to beat the sorry Cleveland Browns. Charlie Frye did well against their defense. LT is a monster and Chargers are definatly the best offense the Ravens have played so far this year. Chargers are also coming off a bye week, thats a big advantage. This is a big test for both teams but i think the Chargers are a more complete team, if the Ravens prove me wrong though good for them they'll prove in this game if they are a good team
You forgot to point out that San Diego has only played two games, whereas the Ravens have played three. That's another reason that San Diego's Defense is ranked number one. Regardless, I think San Diego wins this one. Baltimore barely beat Cleveland and Cleveland is pretty awful. I think the game will be close in the first half and San Diego will run away with it in the 2nd half.
yea nice win they proved me wrong it seems they play good enough each week JUST to beat the team they play
yeah, I thought The chargers would take this one. Rivers looked good on the first drive, but his interception really hurt.
