4:25 PM ET, October 20, 2013
Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA
56°FHigh
Partly Cloudy
- Chance of rain: 0%
- Wind: WSW at 13 mph
- Humidity: 74%
- Stats of the Day:
- 5 of 7 games between the Ravens and Pittsburgh has been at least within 4 points of each other.
- Match Up to Watch:
- Joe Flacco vs Ben Roethlisberger:
- Both quarterbacks have been struggling big time. Both have thrown over 5 interceptions and offense has been stagnant. Who can snap out of their snide? It won’t be easy since both teams are known for great defenses. No one has the advantage because you have played so many times against each other and you know each other tendencies. One thing they can both hang their hats on, they still have a shot to win the division since no one has run away with it yet. If you are fans of either teams, you can look at the glass half empty or half full.
- Players to Watch:
- Baltimore:
- Safety- Matt Elam
- Nose Tackle- Brandon Williams
- Pittsburgh:
- Outside Linebacker- Jarvis Jones
- Running Back- Le’veon Bell
- #26 Matt Elam: 5’10 208, Florida1st round 32nd pick, Position- Safety
Strength:
+ Does a nice job in making an impact on special teams.
+ Breaks on the ball really well. Gets there before the pass.
+ Communicates with his secondary and tells them where he is going to be.
+ Fiery guy on the field and will get his defense pumped up.
+ Hits a guy, right below the chin. Can lay a hit into someone.
Needs Improvement:
– Has to be more prepared before the snap.
– Will get called for targeting because he hits too high.
– He will face guard which will get pass interference called every time.
– Ball skills are limited.
– He will be playing “keep everyone In front of him” and he still gets beat down the field.
#98 Brandon Williams: 6’1 335, Missouri Southern State
3rd round 94th pick, Position- Defensive Tackle
Strength:
+ Does a nice job of staying parallel to the line of scrimmage and doesn’t
chase a play from behind.
+ Effective in goal to go situations because he puts up a wall against the line.
+ Uses his hands really well and sheds the block.
+ So athletic that the Ravens even put him on kick return team.
+ Excels playing over the center and getting push up the middle.
Needs Improvement:
– Must keep his feet moving when he makes contact with his blockers.
– Learn about football some more and read a screen or draw.
– Looking for the ball instead of winning the one on one matchup.
#95 Jarvis Jones: 6’2 245, Georgia
1st round 17th pick, Position- Outside Linebacker
Strength:
+ Good motor. Plays until the whistle is blown.
+ Takes on blocks. Does not wait for the block to come to him.
+ Very aggressive. Will fly all over the field to make a play.
Needs Improvement:
– Does not play the double team really well and gets pushed back to the second level.
– Weak in pass coverage.
– Seems to go for the pass rush, no matter what down it is. Must maintain in run support.
– Strength and speed seems to be a question mark.
– Needs to stay at home. Teams will take advantage of that with screen passes and reverses.
#26 Le’veon Bell: 6’1 244, Michigan State
2nd round 48th pick, Position Running Back
Strength:
+ Follows his blocks which makes it easy to get big runs.
+ He was the leader in YAC (Yards after contact) in college. Has huge trunks and can break arm tackles.
+ Soft hands and is really helpful in the passing game.
+ Even facing an 8 man defensive front, he was able to run the ball effectively.
+ They flank him out to get a match up vs a linebacker
Needs Improvement:
– Lacks break away speed.
– Has a lot of work to do in pass blocking
– Will always try to go for the home run play instead of taking what the defense gives him.
Hard Count 