Green Bay Packers v. Ravens: Behind Enemy Lines
By Paul Bretl
If the Ravens are going to beat the Green Bay Packers, what does their path to victory look like?
Justin: It’s hard to see the Ravens winning this game, especially if Huntley starts. There are just far too many holes on this roster right now — there are only so many injuries a team can overcome. That said, if their defense finds a way to slow down Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ offense, they might be able to keep things close. That’s a tall task for the NFL’s 31st-ranked pass defense (a pass defense now without their top contributor in Marlon Humphrey), but it’s about the only shot they have.
Takeaway: For the Green Bay Packers to win this game, as we’ve discussed, and it goes against what I typically advocate for, but really going after this Baltimore secondary could lead to a big day for the offense. Because of this, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Ravens try to really blitz Rodgers in order to get after him.
Meanwhile, on defense, especially if Huntley is under center, I would like to see the Packers provide some extra help against the run–and this rings even more true if they are without Clark. We know that Baltimore is going to want to run the ball, and even though they have some playmakers at receiver, I would like to see Green Bay force Huntley to beat them with his arm. Also, dialing up some pressure wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
This approach is about the exact opposite from what we’ve seen from Joe Barry this season, where his M.O. has been to take away the passing game. But limiting the run and not letting the Ravens control the clock will be very important.
And, oh yeah, I forgot the most important aspect of all of his. Can the special teams unit hold it together? As I wrote recently, that won’t be an easy task against this Ravens team that has the best special teams unit in football. If Green Bay keeps performing as poorly as they have been in this phase, eventually, it will cost them a game.