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The Beat with Aaron Wilson - RAVENS SCOUTING REPORT

5 Critical Questions
Posted On: 11/19/06
Written By:  
Aaron Wilson
1. Can the Baltimore Ravens contain the Atlanta Falcons' formidable running game?
 
 Heading into today's kickoff at M&T Bank Stadium, the Ravens (7-2) sport the second-ranked rushing defense in the league and will face off with the Falcons' top-ranked running attack that averages nearly 200 yards per game (198.9). The Ravens are surrendering only 79.7 yards on the ground per contest, but faltered last week against Tennessee Titans runner Travis Henry, who became the first to eclipse the century mark against Baltimore since last December. With middle linebacker Ray Lewis out again with a back injury, converted lineman Jarret Johnson makes his debut at inside linebacker with Bart Scott sliding over to Lewis' spot. The Falcons feature athletic quarterback Michael Vick, who has outrushed Ravens running back Jamal Lewis 650 to 578, along with shifty running back Warrick Dunn (761 yards) and promising rookie Jerious Norwood (355 yards). The Ravens will have their work cut out for them against the Falcons' cut-blocking offensive line, too.
 
2. Will Steve McNair have a ton of time to throw?
 
 It certainly looks that way since the Falcons won't have either of their starting defensive ends, John Abraham and Patrick Kerney, due to injuries. The Ravens' offensive line has only allowed two sacks in the past three games and should be able to handle the likes of Paul Carrington, Josh Mallard and Chauncey Davis off the edge.
 
3. Will receivers Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams have a field day?
 
The Falcons' secondary has played horrendously with the exception of cornerback DeAngelo Hall (four interceptions), and will be without starting right cornerback Jason Webster (groin) and has lost nickel back Kevin Mathis for the season. Against the Titans, the Ravens' receiving trio combined for 19 receptions for 264 yards and two touchdowns. Plus, the Ravens have one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the league in Todd Heap. The Falcons are likely to have major issues guarding against the pass. Safeties Lawyer Milloy and Chris Crocker are limited athletically in terms of range in the deep zones.
 
4. How will the Ravens deal with tight end Alge Crumpler?
 
Crumpler is Vick's primary target and is extremely productive in the red zone. He leads the Falcons in receptions with 34 for 467 yards and six touchdowns. A highly versatile player, Crumpler gets a nice release off the line of scrimmage in most situations and is faster than he looks. Expect safety Ed Reed to draw this critical assignment.
 
5. Which return specialist will create the best field position for his team?
 
Falcons return man Allen Rossum is currently sixth in the league in kickoff returns with an average of 25.9 and 20th in the league on punt returns with a 8.3 average. Ravens return specialist B.J. Sams hasn't made much noise lately, but still ranks seventh in the NFL on kickoff returns with an average of 25.4 and a long return of 72 yards. The Ravens' kick coverage units must do a solid job against Rossum.
 
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times inWestminster, Maryland.

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Posted On: 11/19/06
Written By:  
Aaron Wilson

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