Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens Vs. Buffalo Bills: 3 Big Things

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Kickoff is quickly approaching. Here are 3 big thoughts about the Ravens battle with the Buffalo Bills:

The Baltimore Ravens have a must win game today. I know it’s week one, but that doesn’t diminish the importance of this game. The last time the Ravens won a season opener, they won the Super Bowl. Before that they won four straight openers and went to the playoffs each time. The fast start once was the signature of the John Harbaugh coached Ravens. Harbaugh needs to get this going again.

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The Ravens roster is impressive. They have more depth at the play-making positions. They added key players like Mike Wallace and Eric Weddle. The Ravens have pass rushers fully stocked and what could be an improved offensive line. This is an impressive roster, one that fixed many of the problems from a year ago. The Ravens have no excuses coming into this game.

This is September 11th, 2016. Nobody will ever forget the horror that this nation went through on this day in 2001. We look back at those scary and tragic moments, with a heavy heart. Many lost their lives, just going about their daily routine. Today we have to honor our fallen Americans. We have to honor the victims, the heroes that risked their lives to save the heartbeat of others and the families who lost a loved one. America is an imperfect place, but we have to remember how lucky we are to be Americans. So before I tell you the three big things on my football mind, I just wanted to pay homage to our beloved country. We must remember that win or lose, being able to enjoy a football game on a Sunday afternoon is an incredible thing.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (88) celebrates a first half touchdown with center Matt Birk (77) against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

1. Exciting Debuts

Dennis Pitta was once a Super Bowl hero. Now Pitta has gone two full seasons taken away from him by hip injuries. Pitta’s return is nerve racking and exciting. He worked so hard to get back to this point. You just have to hope that Pitta can stay healthy. When Pitta catches a pass today, it will be one of the most exciting moments in Ravens history, even if its just a routine play. Pitta hasn’t practiced since early in training camp because of a self inflicted broken finger. The Ravens have waited a long time for this. Hopefully it was all worth it.

Steve Smith Sr. will play for the first time of the 2016 season. Smith Sr. did not participate in any of the preseason action. The veteran receiver is the Ravens emotional leader. When he is on the field, the Ravens have a go-to-guy who gives everyone energy.

The Ravens will also see Breshad Perriman in his first regular season game. Just a week ago, Perriman saw his first preseason action. It was a long wait to see the 2015 first round pick. Eventually Perriman can become a game changing talent.

Oct 1, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (L) and linebacker Za’Darius Smith (90) celebrate after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Ravens won 23-20 in overtime. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Ravens Defense Must Be Aggressive

The Buffalo Bills have play-makers on their offense. Charles Clay is a reliable tight end who can do a bit of everything. Sammy Watkins is one of the most exciting receivers in the NFL. LeSean McCoy is a dazzling running back as well. Tyrod Taylor may not be a great quarterback but he is capable of having a great day. If Dean Pees thinks his defense can play conservatively the Bills will move the ball with relative ease.

The Ravens have to force the issue. They have to make Taylor get rid of the ball quickly. No rolling out of the pocket and extending plays can be allowed. From the second this game starts, Pees has to give Taylor tough looks. The Ravens must get in the backfield and make his life miserable. You saw what pass rush can do to Cam Newton on Thursday Night. If the Broncos can do that to the reigning MVP we can make Taylor look like a backup quarterback again.

The Ravens have to bring the heat. They have better safety help then they’re used too. Lardarius Webb and Eric Weddle will help on the back end. Pees, please focus on getting your guys to ring “Hell’s Bells” in the backfield.

Aug 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West (28) runs the football during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Run Run Run Your Boat…

The key for the Ravens is establishing their ground attack. The Ravens must get the ground game going. This is going to set up big plays in the passing game, slow down the Bills pass rush and tire out their defense. When in doubt, Marc Trestman needs to turn to his running game.

Terrance West, Justin Forsett and Buck Allen, those are some good running backs. If you believe in them, if you believe in the offensive line, you have to let them win the game. The Ravens have to pound the run game down the Bills throat. All day long, they have to come at the Bills front seven until they break their will. This game may be won in the fourth quarter.When you get to that fourth quarter, the ground attack will be too much for them.

Gameday is here! Stay tuned to Ebony Bird for everything on your Ravens. We bleed purple and we live for the game of football!

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