Key Matchups for Divisional Weekend – Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos - everydaygorship's Blog

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Key Matchups for Divisional Weekend – Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos

Posted on January 11, 2013 at 01:23 PM.

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DEN – QB Peyton Manning Vs. BAL – QB Joe Flacco - The Ravens QB was the 1st QB to win a playoff game in his first 5 years, but it would have been Manning if not for missing the playoffs in 2001. These two met in the divisional round of 2009 in Indianapolis, where the veteran Manning handled the then 2nd year Flacco. This time they will meet in Denver, Peyton’s new stomping grounds. Having already bested Flacco in Baltimore this year in week 15 to the sound of 34 – 17, Manning is going to try his best to replicate that this weekend. Can Flacco keep pace with him??
BAL – Offensive Tackles Vs DEN – LB Von Miller - In last weeks wildcard game vs Indianapolis we saw the Ravens offensive tackles switch sides with Bryant McKinnie at LT and Michael Oher at RT. I don’t think that is going to work this week going against the 2nd year LB Von Miller. In week 15 at Baltimore, Miller went for 0 sacks, it was the only game since week 8. Look for the Ravens to put Oher back at LT, I would.
DEN – WR Eric Decker Vs. BAL – DB Cary Williams - In week 15, Decker tore up Williams for 5 receptions and 100 yards. He finished with 133 yards, 1 TD. At home this year Decker has 8 TD’s. Williams has the classic great one play, then gives up a big play style, if Williams is having a tough go the Ravens could use #2 DB Corey Graham who has been on the upswing.
BAL – Running Backs Vs. DEN – Rushing Defense - Something that stood out to me from week 15 was the lack of rushing from Baltimore. Only 17 rushes from Rice & Pierce for 58 yards, having success in the rushing game is key to Baltimore’s victory’s. Denver has only gave up 100 + yards in 3 games all season, and 2 of the 3 were losses. This is the 2nd overall run defense, with the 3rd least yards allowed, and the 2nd least rushing TD’s with 5.
DEN – Running Backs Vs. BAL – Rushing Defense - For Baltimore, I believe you must stop the run to have any chance at winning v against Denver. In week 15, the Ravens allowed Denver RB’s Knowshon Moreno, and Ronnie Hillman 165 yards and 2 TD’s. Denver’s offensive line has been strong all year, while the Ravens have struggled to stop the run.