Last year, the Ravens lost in San Diego, 34-14. The Ravens were 10-3 before that game and had similar momentum as they do now.
Courtesy: Baltimore Sun
Currently, Baltimore is 8-2 (4-0 in the AFC North) and in excellent playoff position. For them to continue to put heat on the Texans (the only AFC team with a better record, who won on Thursday), they will need to win on the road—something that hasn’t been easy.
While the Ravens are 3-2 on the road this season, they know they can be better. San Diego is a 4-6 (2-2 at home) football team which has minimal hope left. The Ravens can’t afford to give them life.
To beat the Chargers, there are four things the Ravens ought to do:
Make Rivers Beat You
Overall against Baltimore, Philip Rivers is 2-2 while throwing seven touchdowns against three interceptions. However, since 2011 (26 games), Rivers has been turnover-prone, throwing 34 interceptions and losing nine fumbles.
The Ravens finished last week with a +12 turnover margin, good for second-best in the NFL. They should have opportunities to continue that trend.
Get Rice and Smith Involved Early
Ray Rice and Torrey Smith are as dynamic of a running back/wide receiver tandem as there is in this league (save maybe for Minnesota and Houston). Either way, they are difference makers.
Before last week, Rice averaged 4.6 yards per carry. In the Pittsburgh game, he averaged 2.0 yards per carry.
Before last week, Smith averaged 17.7 yards per reception. In the Pittsburgh game, he had one reception for seven yards.
The Chargers aren’t nearly as good of a defense as are the Steelers. Rice and Smith should get back on track this week.
Courtesy: Jeff Gross/Getty Images
Jam Gates, Knocking Him Off His RoutesSimply put, if you stop Antonio Gates, you’ll probably stop the Chargers’ offense. He’s a great player, but let’s see how he does against Terrell Suggs and Bernard Pollard.
Take the Lead Early
Especially on the road, you want to get out to an early lead. The Ravens are better than the Chargers and need to prove it. Don’t give them any hope. They make mistakes often. Make them pay for those mistakes.
