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Ravens Vs. Raiders: A Conversation With Just Blog Baby

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 7:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 25, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Oakland Raiders players Clive Walford (88), Kelechi Osemele (70), Derek Carr (4), Gabe Jackson (66) and Latavius Murray (28) celebrate after defeating the Tennessee Titans 17-10 at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens and the Oakland Raiders are about to do battle. Today we get an Oakland perspective from Tyler Rudolph from Just Blog Baby

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The Baltimore Ravens are about to play the Oakland Raiders. The sea of purple that is M&T Bank Stadium will be looking for a fourth straight win to start the season. Meanwhile the 2-1 Oakland Raiders will be looking to reprise their role from last year, as the winner in this match up. When the Ravens play the Raiders they have to bring their A game. The Raiders are no longer the bottom feeders in the AFC West. They are a hungry team that is looking to have a resurgent trip to the playoffs.

To get us ready for this game (more than we already are) I asked Tyler Rudolph five big questions that we need answers to. He gave us a Raiders point of view. Returning the favor, I gave him a Ravens point of view for JBB, 

My questions are in bold print. Tyler’s answers follow the questions. Without further ado, let’s see how the Raiders expert views this game.

Sep 25, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker C.J. Mosley (57) tackles Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Julius Thomas (80) in second half at EverBank Field. Baltimore Ravens won 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Something Has To Give:

1. The Raiders Have the second ranked offense. The Ravens have the second ranked defense. Obviously something has to give, which second ranked unit has the edge?

Given what I saw last week, this could very well be a low scoring affair. Offensive miscues really held the Raiders back on multiple drives, and the passing game left a little too much on the bone. Our offensive line is banged up so adding Dumervil to an already strong unit does not bode well, but the depth is definitely there with rookie Vadal Alexander, and utility men in Matt McCants and John Feliciano. I feel that the opportunity for Oakland’s offense has a higher upside than Baltimore’s defense, so I think time of possession could favor the Raiders, eventually wearing down that Baltimore D. It will be lower, but I think defense may give because of the load they have to carry.

2. What is the Raiders biggest strength? How do the Ravens take it away? What is the biggest weakness and how should the Ravens attack it?

The strength with the Raiders starts with Derek Carr. He knows this offense through and through, and has the confidence to throw the ball to anyone and anywhere he pleases. The Ravens have to limit those big plays, and force him to keep it honest. Trust the defensive line to apply pressure, and utilize the pass coverage strength that those linebackers covet. Run defense thus far has been Oakland’s biggest issue. They have given up consistent chunks play after play. Coincidentally, the Ravens have been lacking in that part, but that is no reason to stray away from it. It could very well lead to that field opening up for Flacco and his speedy receivers. Trestman needs to find a way to exploit that to its fullest.

Sep 25, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio (C) walks off the field after defeating the Tennessee Titans17-10 at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Is This A Get Right Game For The Raiders Defense?

3. The Ravens offense is struggling. The offensive line is banged up and the Ravens may need to call in the next man up on the left side. Are you looking at this as a get right game for the defense?

Sep 25, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans defensive back Brice McCain (23) defends against Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) during a NFL football game at Nissan Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Titans 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It’s Prediction Time:

Give Me A Prediction:

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