NFL Playoffs: X-Factors, red flags for each team
Baltimore Ravens X Factor: Thighs up front
Last week, the Ravens completely throttled the Big Ben and the Steelers in Pittsburgh, 30-17. The D came to play, and they completely shut down the NFL’s No. 1 regular season offense. The thighs of various playmakers on defense played prominent roles throughout the game.
The Ravens sacked Roethlisberger five times, which is more than the Steelers had given up in the previous five games combined, while also creating three turnovers. The turnovers were especially noteworthy for a few reasons. They included two interceptions, while the secondary shut down the dominant Pittsburgh passing game.
One of those interceptions was completed when Terrell Suggs caught the ball between his thighs to maintain possession (see pic above).
Speaking of thighs, and size, mammoth nosetackle Haloti Ngata returned from a four game suspension just in time for the playoffs, and his ample presence made a sizeable difference in the middle of the Ravens’ defensive line. The pressure that Baltimore was able to generate from the middle of the line disrupted everything that Pittsburgh was trying to do, in both the run and pass game. That pressure allowed the Ravens to deploy several exotic blitzes that kept Big Ben harassed and unable to stay comfortable in the pocket.
As mentioned, the Baltimore secondary is a major concern, with injuries on top of injuries forcing the Ravens to start several street free agents in place of fallen Pro Bowlers. The X Factor, however, is the dominant front seven that will relieve pressure on the secondary while maintaining pressure on Tom Brady.
Baltimore Ravens Red Flag: Joe Flacco
Yes, Joe Flacco was the Red Flag going into last week’s game in Pittsburgh. And yes, he played well against the Steelers D. Let’s not forget, however, that this is not the Steel Curtain of old. Well, it is old, though. Troy Polamalu has clearly lost a step and can no longer afford to gamble on his playmaking ability. The Steelers didn’t give up a ton of yards to Baltimore, but they were unable to get off the field in key 3rd down situations, which allowed Flacco to sustain drives and orchestrate a death by a thousand cuts.
That said, as dominant as the Ravens were, they still only produced 295 yards of total offense, and lost the time of possession battle by 10 1/2 minutes. As weak and corroded as the Steel Curtain has become, Flacco didn’t dominate them. He was efficient, completing 62% of his passes and throwing for two touchdowns.
Flacco’s next opponent promises to be much less inviting. New England has ranked in the top half of the league in most defensive categories all season, with a rebuilt secondary featuring Darrel Revis as its foundation. Flacco has not fared well against better defenses this year, continuing a trend that has plagued him throughout his career. The elite quarterbacks are able to overcome challenges posed by the best defenses in the league more often than not. Flacco continues to struggle.
In games against bad pass defenses, Flacco’s average QB rating was 101.1. In games against defenses ranked in the upper half in the league against the pass, his average QB rating was 87.6. Flacco is going to have to play mistake free football against the Patriots in a scenario where he’s historically struggled.
He was able to overcome those challenges in 2012 to lead his team to a Super Bowl win, defeating several good pass defenses along the way. Unless he can repeat the magic of that season, it’s looking more and more like it was an anomaly.
Next: Can New England finally get back to the big show?