Ravens Return Home To Battle Struggling Chargers
By Samuel Njoku
The Ravens have lost 3 straight games and are now 1-6. With hopes of a postseason berth all but vanished, it will be interesting to see how Baltimore responds following another crushing loss. Next up is the San Diego Chargers.
Season Record
The San Diego Chargers (2-5) are currently sitting in 4th place in the AFC West and will look to rebound following a big loss to the Oakland Raiders.
Chargers on Offense
When you think of the San Diego Chargers, you're thinking of Philip Rivers. He's been one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in the NFL over the last decade. And he's arguably the most underrated player in all of football. But his team has struggled during the first half of the season. Sound familiar? The Chargers have had a tough time trying to close games out late in the 4th quarter. San Diego certainly has the weapons to get it done. Keenan Allen is one of the most targeted receivers in the NFL. And Danny Woodhead has quietly had a remarkable season catching passes from the backfield. This group together claim the current title as number one passing and overall offense in the NFL.
Rookie running back Melvin Gordon has been a steady force in the run game even though he has yet to crack the endzone. He'll have his hands full on Sunday against a Ravens defense that prides itself on stopping the run, though that is were the pride stops. I'd expect San Diego to attack the Ravens through the air until they can prove that they can stop Rivers and company.
Chargers on Defense
Similar to Baltimore, the Chargers have struggled on Defense so far in 2014. But their struggles have been on the ground. Currently the 31st ranked rush defense, San Diego has had a tough time stopping anyone on the ground. That bodes well for players like Justin Forsett who can have a field day against opposing defenses like this one. The Ravens plan of attack should be to establish the run early and often and keep the ball out of the hands of Philip Rivers.
The Chargers are much stronger in pass coverage but that won't stop a guy like Steve Smith from wreaking havoc on an opposing secondary. Expect them to double team Steve Smith and force Joe Flacco to find someone else to throw the ball to. With injuries to Eugene Monroe and Kelechi Osemele, that could be a tall task if Baltimore is forced into that situation.
Chargers Players to Watch
Danny Woodhead can be a problem for any opposing defense, let alone one that has struggled as bad as Baltimore has. Woodhead has only averaged 3.8 yards per carry this season, but he's a major threat when the ball is through the air. He's averaging over 5.3 yards per reception and almost 60 yards a game receiving. That's more than all of the Ravens receivers not named Steve Smith. Baltimore should be aware of his presence anytime he's on the field.
Eric Weddle may not get the same recognition a guy like Ed Reed received during his time in Baltimore, but he is a special safety. Joe Flacco will need to know where he is on the field at all times prior to the snap. If Flacco wants to test the secondary by throwing a deep ball down the field, he better hope Weddle isn't in the vicinity. The All-Pro safety can be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks if given the opportunity.
Outlook
The Ravens have had enough of playing on the road. On Sunday, they'll return to M&T Bank stadium in search of their first win at home and their second win overall this season. I expect Baltimore to get the job done against a Chargers team that is having very real problems stopping the run.
Ravens 23-20.
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.
