NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Philadelphia Eagles will take on the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday in a must-see matchup in Week 13. The Eagles are coming off a win against the Los Angeles Rams, which extended their winning streak to seven games. The Ravens have been up and down all season, but a good win against the Los Angeles Chargers has them full of confidence as they come down the home stretch.
Will the Eagles’ defense contain the rushing attack of Derrick Henry and the Ravens? Can the Ravens’ defense control the ground game of Saquon Barkley and the Eagles? By all accounts, this has the makings of a defensive battle with few points scored. However, both teams possess an offense that can put points on the board. Who will win the battle of the Birds this Sunday?
Here are 3 keys to Victory for the Philadelphia Eagles against the Baltimore Ravens.
Slow Derrick Henry
This is easier said than done. Henry is one of the best backs in the NFL and this season, he has shown why he’s a difference maker. Coming off Monday’s game against the Chargers where he gained 140 yards in 24 carries, the Ravens will be looking to build upon that. The Eagles may prepare for him as they do Barkley in practice.
The Eagles are surrendering 99 yards per game on the ground. Containing Henry makes the Ravens’ offense one-dimensional. Lamar Jackson would be forced to beat them through the air and that’s the strength of Vic Fangio’s defense. The Eagles will be forced to stack the box but with the way the secondary is playing, that’s not a bad idea. Henry will break a few runs, but they cannot allow him to go crazy.
Take Deep Shots
Running the ball is all good and well, but what happens when a team finally finds a way to shut down Barkley? So far, this hasn’t been a problem for the Eagles. However, the Ravens’ run defense is one of the best in the league. Imagine having to practice every day facing Derrick Henry. They know what they’re doing. But there is a way to offset that and that is for Jalen Hurts to go deep.
It doesn’t matter if the ball is caught or not, the Eagles have to make the defense respect the fact that they are willing to go that route. That will take pressure off the run game and force the Ravens to add an extra player in the secondary. If Smith is healthy to play, that’s an added advantage. AJ Brown can go over the top of a defense and Baltimore is at the bottom of the league as far as passing defense goes. Make them pay.
Georgia Boys Dominance
There is no Bryce Huff. Brandon Graham is out for the season. Who will step up for the Eagles against this vaunted Ravens offense? It has to be the Georgia Crew. Most notably, Nolan Smith and Nakobe Dean. These two must cause havoc in the backfield. Trying to contain Henry is one thing but trying to contain him and Lamar Jackson, well, that’s super complicated. The defense of the Philadelphia Eagles has their work cut out for them but for them to walk out a winner, Dean and Smith must step up.
Both players have the speed to spy on Jackson but how many players have been successful at that? If Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, and Jalen Carter can flush out Jackson, Dean, and Smith should be in a position to get sacks or keep him from gaining massive yards with his legs. They have to be patient and play their lanes.
