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The Beat with Aaron Wilson - WHO HAS THE EDGE?

Ravens v. Chargers (Photo by Sabina Moran)
Posted On: 10/1/06
Written By:  
Aaron Wilson
WHO HAS THE EDGE?
RAVENS
 
OFFENSE
Total (23) Rushing (16) Passing (25)
 
Quarterback
Steve McNair struggled for three quarters and awoke from his slumber just in time in the fourth quarter to win the game. Perhaps he needs an alarm clock to wake him up earlier before his pre-game nap.
 
Running backs
Now, Jamal Lewis is supposedly totally healthy. That's the good news. The bad news is he's facing off with the top-ranked defense in the league. Is Lewis up to the test?
 
Receivers
The Derrick Mason-Mark Clayton tandem hit full stride last week with a combined 15 receptions. When is it going to be Todd Heap's turn? Should the Ravens put out an all-points bulletin for Daniel Wilcox?
 
Offensive line
They have been surrendering a lot of pressure up the middle, and center Mike Flynn is the primary reason why. Don't look for changes if they keep winning. Tony Pashos had better pray that Shawne Merriman doesn't flip to his side.
 
DEFENSE
Total (2) Rushing (1) Passing (4)
 
Defensive line
Trevor Pryce loves playing against the Chargers, victimizing them for nine career sacks in 16 games, going 13-3. Nose guard Kelly Gregg has a difficult matchup against center Nick Hardwick. Jarret Johnson might start because of Terrell Suggs' hamstring injury
 
Linebackers
It seems like the NFL, which ignored Bart Scott during the draft four years ago, knows his name now. He was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month, outshining teammates Ray Lewis and Adalius Thomas with a league-high five sacks.
 
Secondary
Ed Reed is a question mark with a foot injury. If he can't go, Gerome Sapp will start. Whoever's in the game will need to help out rookie safety Dawan Landry with tight end Antonio Gates.
 
SPECIAL TEAMS
After 17 years in the league, Matt Stover is only getting better. The AFC Special Teams Player of the Month has connected on his last 29 field goals. Gary Stills had five special-teams tackles last week against Cleveland.
 
CHARGERS
 
OFFENSE
Total (3) Rushing (2) Passing (28)
 
Quarterback
Philip Rivers is undefeated, unsacked and nearly atop the passer rating chart with a 107.4 mark. The Chargers only ask him to manage the game, but he's demonstrating signs that he's going to be capable of much more than that task.
 
Running backs
LaDainian Tomlinson is one of the quickest, smartest and most productive runners in the game. Fullback Lorenzo Neal is one of the toughest customers in the game, and backup runner Michael Turner could start for most teams.
 
Receivers
The Chargers' best receiver is Tomlinson, followed closely by All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates. Gates can stretch the field vertically like few tight ends can. Keenan McCardell is old, but remains a consummate possession receiver.
 
Offensive line
They haven't allowed a sack, and Rivers has only been hit twice. These blockers play with an edge, especially center Nick Hardwick and right tackle Shane Olivea. Rookie left tackle Marcus McNeill (6-7, 338) is physically gifted.
 
DEFENSE
Total (1) Rushing (5) Passing (1)
 
Defensive line
In their 3-4 scheme, the Chargers overpower people upfront with strongmen Jamal Williams, Igor Olshansky and Luis Castillo. This doesn't shape up as a good matchup for the Ravens.
 
Linebackers
Shawne Merriman headlines an above-average corps. The former Terrapin registered three sacks against Oakland. Donnie Edwards is a solid tackler inside. Shaun Phillips isn't far behind Merriman athletically.
 
Secondary
This unit was shaken up by the felony drug arrest of safety Terrence Kiel. Cornerback Quentin Jammer has been a major bust. Drayton Florence is a promising young corner.
 
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker Nate Kaeding is so good that San Diego just gave him a six-year contract extension. The return game and punting are nothing to write home about.
 
EDGES: Quarterback: RAVENS; Running back: Chargers; Receivers: RAVENS; Offensive line: Chargers; Defensive line: Even; Linebackers: RAVENS; Secondary: RAVENS; Special teams: RAVENS.

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Posted On: 10/1/06
Written By:  
Aaron Wilson

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