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The Beat with Aaron Wilson - 5 CRITICAL QUESTIONS: RAVENS V. PANTHERS

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Posted On: 10/15/06
Written By:  
Aaron Wilson
5 CRITICAL QUESTIONS: RAVENS V. PANTHERS
1. Will any touchdowns be scored today?
 
The Baltimore Ravens sport a formidable defense, and the Carolina Panthers are headlined by All-Pro defensive end Julius Peppers as part of one of the most dominant front fours in the league. While Baltimore's second-ranked defense has only surrendered four touchdowns and Carolina has allowed eight, the Ravens' ineffectual, 29th-ranked offense makes this a surefire low-scoring contest. Expect a field-goal war between kickers Matt Stover and John Kasay. Between two physical teams that pride themselves on controlling the line of scrimmage and with both teams chasing a playoff berth, this is certain to be an intense matchup.
 
Carolina is riding the crest of a three-game winning streak and Baltimore is coming off its first loss. Both defenses tend to be stingy against the run and are capable of harassing quarterbacks and forcing miscues. The Panthers lack the big-play capability that the Ravens have in their secondary and linebackers, but their terrific defensive line is a great equalizer.
 
2. Can Steve McNair pick up his game, and can the Ravens protect him?
 
Following a short week and a stinging loss to the Denver Broncos where McNair tossed a season-high three interceptions, the Ravens are dealing with their latest offensive crisis. His inaccuracy and erratic decisions are just one issue. With the exception of right defensive end Mike Rucker against left tackle Jonathan Ogden, the Ravens are outmanned in every other matchup. Especially right tackle Tony Pashos against Peppers. Since the Panthers don't have to blitz to generate a pass rush, they can drop seven defenders into coverage and are likely to bracket tight end Todd Heap between linebacker Thomas Davis and safety Mike Minter. McNair has to play smarter and more effectively for Baltimore to have a chance.
 
3. Can the Ravens run the football?
 
Perhaps, but will it be with Jamal Lewis carrying the football? Lewis is still in the lineup despite averaging only 62 yards per game. He ranks 27th in the league. Mike Anderson and Musa Smith are pushing him hard for playing time and Brian Billick appears serious about platooning the backs if Lewis doesn't assert himself immediately. Patience is wearing extremely thin at One Winning Drive.
 
4. Can the Ravens contain Steve Smith and Keyshawn Johnson?
 
Carolina will try to set up its deep passing game by lulling the Ravens to sleep with a steady diet of DeShaun Foster runs. Smith specializes in the double move, which always gives cornerback Chris McAlister trouble. Quarterback Jake Delhomme seems to have an innate sense for the right time to take a vertical shot. Smith has the speed and moves, and Johnson has the size and hands to hurt defenses. The Panthers are using a lot of seven-man protection schemes to buy Delhomme more time to throw.
 
5. Can the Ravens' offensive line deal with the Panthers' size?
 
Carolina has two sumo-sized heavyweights inside with 350-pound tackles Maake Kemoeatu and Kris Jenkins. The Ravens want to set up cutback runs. But, to do that, they have to move all of that girth in one direction.

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Posted On: 10/15/06
Written By:  
Aaron Wilson

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