After four games in 18 days, the Baltimore Ravens had a mini bye with ten days off. Hopefully the rest will give them the momentum they need to face the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday.
Arrowhead is one of the loudest Stadiums in the NFL, the Ravens played there before. Their last visit was during the 2010 AFC Wild Card game where Ravens won 30-7.
While the Ravens hope to implement the no-huddle offense in Sunday’s game, they know that noise is a factor; they prepared by practicing non-verbal communication. If quarterback Joe Flacco has trouble and can’t communicate with his offense, they may scrap the no-huddle.
The Ravens are fortunate to have a healthy roster without any significant injuries. Two players were on the injury report this week.
Wide receiver Torrey Smith still has an ankle injury he suffered in the preseason. He participated in practice all week; he is listed as probable and he is expected to suit up on Sunday.
Offensive tackle Jah Reid still has a lingering calf injury he suffered during the preseason. He had a limited practice this week and is questionable for Sunday. The Ravens are being cautious with him to avoid a setback later in the season.
Head coach John Harbaugh is pleased with the health of his players:
“We have a strong team, physically,” Head Coach John Harbaugh said. “What we have to focus on are the things that we can control, and I think our guys do a good job of taking care of themselves.”
The Chiefs haven’t been so fortunate; three players have been ruled out for Sunday including running back Peyton Hillis, defensive back Glen Dorsey and wide receiver Devon Wylie.
Notable players listed as questionable include cornerback Brandon Flowers, wide receiver Jon Balwin and center Ryan Lilja.
Even though the Ravens are favored to win this game, they know that Arrowhead Stadium is a tough place to play and they must step up to the challenge.
The 1-3 Chiefs still have a mobile quarterback in Matt Cassel; he can run and get out of the pocket. The Ravens need to stop him and apply pressure to Chiefs’ star running back Jamal Charles.
The Chiefs have given up a touchdown to tight ends in three of four games this season so look for Flacco to throw to tight ends Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson.
The Ravens need to be careful not to sleep on the Chiefs. They are going in to one of the loudest stadiums to face a team who is hungry to win. Being favored to win is one thing, pulling it off is another.
Zennie Abraham