New York Jets vs. Baltimore Ravens: Keys to Victory

Nov 17, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan on the sideline during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 10, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh looks on during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at M

Tomorrow afternoon in Baltimore, the “Road to MetLife Stadium” continues, as Rex Ryan and company head down to Baltimore to take on Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, and the rest of John Harbaugh’s Ravens. This is the last game of a two game road trip before the Jets head back to MetLife Stadium next week.

Both teams are coming off of losses last week. We know about the Jets’ issues last week in Buffalo. The Ravens are coming off of an overtime loss to the Bears, which was marred by the long weather delay.

Here are some keys to victory:

PROTECT THAT FOOTBALL

The Ravens are not the same team anymore, even since last year. Ray Lewis is gone, and Ed Reed is now on the Jets. But, they are still a talented defense that can get at the football every time. Everyone, right through the quarterback position, has to predict the football better. Terrell Suggs and company will get the job done if he cannot. We know how good the Jets have been when they protect the football, and when they have given it up. Don’t give it up.

KEEP GENO STANDING UP

As we began to talk about just a few minutes ago, the Ravens do still carry a young man named Terrell Suggs. He is leading them down the football field, seemingly doing whatever the heck he wants. We have to make sure that our offensive line is putting in a stout performance, preventing Geno from spending the day on his back.

The offensive line is key to what makes all of this possible. When the line plays well, everyone else plays well too. If not, everyone is worse.

The other part to worry about is the back-end. A lot of exotic blitzes, which are essential to keep the defense off-balance, means the corners have to be on their spots, and not moving off of them.

BALANCE ON OFFENSE

The Ravens’ defense is far from what it used to be. But, it is still good, being that they still have a high rating. They are only allowing a shade more than 21 points per game, which is certainly nothing to laugh at.

Both sides of the Ravens’ defense are just outside the top 10. They are no slouches. They might not be putting the huge numbers that are exciting to watch. But, watch the intricacies of how they play, you can learn more from internal play between wide receivers and corners, than in regular plays.

And the final key is “Score some points!” Joe Flacco will put up his numbers. The Jets cannot just head to Baltimore and not show up, or it will get ugly.