04-23-2020, 04:38 PM
(04-23-2020, 03:47 PM)TheLeonardLeap Wrote: And yet, 2 of their top 3 receivers were TEs, and 3 of their top 5.
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Picture this: Your defense manages to contain the run on the first two downs and now it's 3rd and 6. What is Baltimore going to do with the ball?
If you can't cover the TEs, it doesn't matter if you can stop the run, because you won't be able to stop them converting 3rd down and extending the drive. The Ravens had 3 TEs with 30+ catches last year, including their leading receiver being a TE.
If you can stop them from running effectively, you limit their play calling options significantly, and at least have a fighting chance. If you can't stop them from running, you're screwed. They ran for an insane 3,296 yards (averaging 5.5 yards per carry) last year, compared to 3,225 passing. They ran for 170+ yards 14 times. Everything they do is set up and based around the run game.
