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The Beat with Aaron Wilson - Baltimore Ravens' scouting report: Ravens v. Rams

5 CRITICAL QUESTIONS
Posted On: 10/13/07
Written By:  
Aaron Wilson
Baltimore Ravens' scouting report: Ravens v. Rams
1. Will it be Steve McNair or Kyle Boller under center?
 
As the Baltimore Ravens (3-2) host the winless St. Louis Rams (0-5) today at M&T Bank Stadium, McNair is a question mark due to a tight back and a nagging groin pull. Just as the groin was starting to improve markedly, McNair, 35, incurred the back injury possibly because he was overcompensating on his throwing delivery. Now, the Ravens appear primed to give Boller his second start of the season. The timing for this scenario is fairly good considering that the Ravens are two weeks separated from their bye week and are playing against a reeling opponent that has been outscored to 89-27 after halftime. Boller was effective in relief against the Cardinals, engineering a game-winning drive, and was turnover-free as he started and won against the New York Jets. Considering McNair's age, the coaching staff has to be extremely careful with his health.
 
2. Could this be the day the Ravens solve their red-zone problems?
 
The Ravens rank 28th in red-zone production as their running game hasn't been rugged enough to bust into the end zone and McNair has been inaccurate in confined quarters. There have been some assignment breakdowns along with unimaginative play-calling on the part of head coach/offensive coordinator Brian Billick. The whispers about his approach are growing louder around town and inside the Ravens' training complex.
 
3. How will Marshal Yanda fare against Leonard Little?
 
This is a challenging assignment for the rookie right tackle as he'll be paired opposite the Rams' most accomplished pass rusher. Little has 74 career sacks and a wealth of pass-rushing moves at his disposal. Yanda will counter with his trademark toughness and technique. Just in case, the former pig farmer from Iowa will get some chip-blocking assistance from tight ends and running backs.
 
4. What will be the Ravens' answer to the no-huddle offense?
 
Cornerback Samari Rolle is likely to return today after missing the past three games with an undisclosed illness. However, his presence might not be enough to shut down the Rams' no-huddle passing attack led by veteran quarterback Gus Frerotte. Frerotte can be streaky, throwing three touchdowns and three interceptions last week with starter Marc Bulger out with broken ribs. Any quarterback with Torry Holt at his disposal qualifies as dangerous. Chris McAlister needs his 'A' game today.
 
5. Will the Ravens run some longer pass patterns?
 
Apparently, not. McNair and Billick have made it abundantly clear that they are reluctant to force anything deep and will continue to utilize a ball-control approach to the passing game. The Ravens are averaging only 5.81 yards per pass attempt with just five passes between 20 and 39 yards.
 
INSIDE SLANT

Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee ranks second in the NFL in all-purpose yardage with 607 yards gained, trailing behind only Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown's 712-yard output. At this current pace, the former Pro Bowl selection would wind up with 1,942 yards of total ofense for the second most in Baltimore franchise history behind Jamal Lewis' 2,271 yards during his NFL Offensive Player of the Year campaign in 2003. McGahee has generated 464 rushing yards and 143 receiving yards. He ranks third in the NFL in rushing yards, on pace for 1,484 rushing yards, which would rank behind Lewis' 2,066 yards. His 102 attempts ranks third overall, putting him on pace for 326 carries for the year. Plus, he's averaging 5.2 first downs per game, putting him on pace for 83 for the year, behind Lewis' 93 in 2003. Heading into this weekend's game against the St. Louis Rams, McGahee is 6-0 all-time against NFC West opponents with 606 rushing yards on 136 carries with eight touchdowns.
 
Photos by Sabina Moran

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Posted On: 10/13/07
Written By:  
Aaron Wilson

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