Ravens Secondary Will Face Big Test On Sunday Against Jaguars Offense
By Samuel Njoku
The Ravens just finished up their bye week and are back to work in hopes of making NFL history. Currently 2-6, Baltimore hopes to win out and essentially sneak into the playoffs when everyone else have left them for dead. Up next, the Jacksonville Jaguars make their way into M&T Bank stadium in an attempt to snap Baltimore back to reality.
Season Record
Similar to the Baltimore Ravens, the Jacksonville Jaguars are 2-6 to start the season. They've had rough games against the undefeated Panthers and Patriots. But they've also picked up impressive wins against the Dolphins and Bills. This season may not lead to a playoff berth for them, but the Jaguars have a lot to be hopeful about.
Jaguars on Offense
If you're looking for the strength of this team, look no further than the Jaguars offense. It has quietly become one of the more prolific offenses in the NFL. Blake Bortles has taken a step in the right direction in 2015 and has impressed his coaching staff with how poised he has been on gameday. Last Sunday against the Jets, he threw for 381 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. The turnovers have been an issue with Bortles, but that should change with experience. The Jaguars have their quarterback of the future.
They also possess arguably the best wide receiver tandem in the NFL. Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson will cause fits for the Ravens secondary on Sunday. The Ravens have had two weeks to prepare for them and will need to be at their best to contain them. Baltimore will likely place Jimmy Smith on Allen Robinson and keep him from breaking off at the line of scrimmage. With the exceptional talent presented from these two wideouts, Will Hill will be a player to keep an eye on as well.
Jaguars on Defense
The Jaguars defense may not be as impressive as the offense, but it would be a mistake to underestimate them. The run defense is ranked 7th in the NFL. Justin Forsett will have a tough day making things happen against this stout unit. That likely means Baltimore plans on beating them through the air, which is entirely possible against a defense that ranks near the bottom against the pass. The problem with that is the fact that the Ravens are currently without their best receiver in Steve Smith, who is out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon. It'll take a great game from Joe Flacco to get it going against a secondary that can give you opportunities to make plays
Jaguars Players to Watch
Allen Robinson will be the player to watch in this game. He's one of the most gifted wide receivers in the NFL with the capablity of giving any cornerback fits. The secondary of New York is as dominant as can be and he was still able to get the job done against them. Baltimore will need to do a great job of containing him in order to come away with the victory.
Jonathan Cyprien has had mixed results since his rookie season in 2013. But his play last week against the New York Jets was stellar and he still has the ability to make plays if given the opportunity. It will fall on Flacco and the receivers corps to ensure that the only plays being made are from those wearing purple and black.
Outlook
The Jaguars are 2-6, but their offense is capable of putting up points against anyone. The Ravens are returning from a bye-week with a load of confidence following an impressive win against the San Diego Chargers. Even though Baltimore was dealt a huge blow with the loss of Steve Smith, fans may see the Ravens pulling out the victory in M&T Bank Stadium.
Samuel Njoku was born and raised in Baltimore, MD and is a graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Samuel has covered the Ravens for Examiner.com since 2010. Prior to 2010, Samuel was an avid blogger and radio personality in Salisbury, MD. Samuel Njoku is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @Ravens_Examiner.
