Ravens Struggle In Trenches In Hard Win Over Eagles

Dec 18, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith, Sr. (89) is congratulated by quarterback Joe Flacco (5) after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens Had Their Problems Start Up Front In Their Hard Fought Win Against The Eagles:

The Baltimore Ravens struggled in the trenches in this game. The number one run defense in the NFL got pushed around by the Eagles, who sustained long drives with the help of their rushing attack. By the start of the fourth quarter the Eagles 114 rushing yards. Philadelphia packed the strategy they needed for the forceful winter weather and they dominated in time of possession.

The offensive line for the Ravens was problematic as well. The Eagles first score was set up by a Flacco fumble. It was the kind of play that will keep the Juan Castillo and Marty Mornhinweg up at night. Marshall Yanda helped to the other side. Ronnie Stanley took out the defensive end. Kenneth Dixon was responsible for the linebacker coming up the B gap and that was a bad idea.

The offensive line was problematic throughout the game. Vladimir Ducasse essentially got bench pressed out of the way, giving Fletcher Cox a free lane to Flacco on another play. Flacco was taken down three times, and took plenty of pass rush.

The Baltimore offense did get a healthy number of rushing yards. It is important to note that 41 yards came on one Terrance West run, and 39 yards came on a little trickery with Michael Campanaro. Dixon also had a 17 yard touchdown run, on a toss play where the Eagles lost outside contain. It wasn’t all bad for the offensive line, but the pass protection was awful.

Dec 18, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Ryan Matthews (24) gains yards before being tackled by Baltimore Ravens linebacker CJ Mosley (57) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens Let The Eagles Remain In The Game:

It is hard to make sense of the rushing defense though. When the Ravens came into this game opponents were averaging less than 80 rushing yards per contest. Ryan Matthews had over 100 yards all on his own.

It became pretty obvious that Carson Wentz was not going to beat the Ravens without a strong rushing attack. The pass rush caused an early interception and some other really ugly plays for the Eagles. When you look back at what happened today, Wentz was not asked to do much. The rookie quarterback finished with 170 yards and one interception.

Just when the purple and black found their back bone, and stopped the Eagles on a key fourth down, Joe Flacco threw an interception. Baltimore led 27-17 but the interception gave Philadelphia new life. Baltimore then gave up two big running plays of 11 and 19 yards.

All of the sudden the Eagles were in field goal range. Philadelphia got three. Joe Flacco and the offense went three and out on their subsequent possession and we had the typical drama of a Ravens game. Baltimore surrendered a touchdown with four seconds left. Doug Pederson decided to go for two. Luckily for the Ravens playoff hopes they did not get the two points and the win.

Nov 6, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is sacked by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jerraud Powers (26) in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

The Bottom Line:

The Ravens won a big game today. They remain in control of their destiny. With a Christmas day victory against the Steelers, they could win the AFC North. The problems up front are two things that the Ravens will want to clean up. Mike Tomlin and the Steelers were busy batting the Cincinnati Bengals, but you’re crazy if you don’t think they’ll take notes from this rough Ravens performance.

The Ravens got a huge win, but it doesn’t mean anything if they lose to the Steelers next week. The last time the Ravens played the Steelers, Dean Pees and the defense had all the answers for Le’Veon Bell. If Bell can mimic the success of Matthews, it could be a not so merry Christmas.

The Ravens have to protect Flacco in Pittsburgh. The Steelers are a different team at Heinz Field than they are on the road. Sacks and fumbles can cost the Ravens dearly in the Steel city, we’ve learned that the hard way. Baltimore must clean up their problems in the trenches if they want Santa Clause to bring them a win.