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The Beat with Aaron Wilson - 5 CRITICAL QUESTIONS

Ravens v. Denver Scouting Report (photo by Sabina Moran)
Posted On: 10/9/06
Written By:  
Aaron Wilson
5 CRITICAL QUESTIONS
1. Will the Baltimore Ravens continue their string of Monday night success and remain undefeated?
 
Since moving to Baltimore, the Ravens are 4-2 in Monday night games. They've won in impressive fashion, too, including a dramatic win over the Denver Broncos in 2002 that featured a 107-yard return of a missed field goal for a touchdown from cornerback Chris McAlister. In those six games, Baltimore has outscored its opponents 160-86, and 117-39 in their four wins. Now, they have to contend with a strong Denver team that finished 13-3 last season and just handed the New England Patriots a 17-7 defeat.
 
This is probably the greatest challenge the Ravens have faced yet in terms of contending with a balanced opponent. Typically, the Ravens win the battle at the line of scrimmage against the smaller Broncos. They should have won last year in Denver, but took a 12-10 loss largely because of quarterback Kyle Boller's inexplicable three turnovers. This time, the Ravens are banking on improved play under center and a big-play defense capable of dominant showings. Expect another close contest.
 
2. Can the Ravens get off to a fast start?
 
Quarterback Steve McNair certainly hopes so, and predicted a change from the previous two weeks where he had to engineer dramatic comebacks to overcome deficits created by defensive breakdowns and an ineffectual offense. The Ravens have had numerous opportunities, but haven't been able to capitalize. It's beginning to cause frustration around the team's training complex despite a perfect record. The concern is whether the team will be as competitive down the road against stiffer competition without more production on offense, especially in the red zone.
 
3. Where's the running game?
 
The key against the Broncos' defense is keeping them honest with a legitimate running game. There are several loud whispers around Baltimore about whether Jamal Lewis has lost explosiveness and his trademark burst. It hasn't been evident this season, and Lewis insists that he's been healthy for weeks. The Broncos' linebackers are hard to run against because of their speed, power and the sharp angles they take to the ball carrier.
 
4. Can the defense contain Jake Plummer?
 
The streaky Broncos quarterback is capable of achieving great highs, and great lows. Defending Plummer, an atypical scrambler who has evolved into a solid pocket passer under Mike Shanahan, requires great discipline and sound technique.
 
5. Will the Ravens open up their playbook?
 
Offensive coordinator Jim Fassel and Ravens coach Brian Billick have been extremely conservative so far in their play-calling. Against a fast defense, they'll need to create some openings through misdirection and deception. If not, the Broncos have the athletes to close down running lanes and passing windows to create turnovers.
 
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times in Westminster, Maryland

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Posted On: 10/9/06
Written By:  
Aaron Wilson

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