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Preview: Hundley, Packers go up against dangerous Ravens secondary
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The investments that the Baltimore Ravens made in their secondary are paying off.
Their defense leads the league in interceptions. If only that translated into a few more wins in Baltimore.
Back from a bye , the Ravens hope to get picky again when they face the Green Bay Packers and young quarterback Brett Hundley on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
"They've got a lot of different looks, a lot of different types of pressures. They're forcing the quarterback to play with a different time clock," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "They're doing a heck of a job obviously in the passing game."
Baltimore (4-5) has 13 interceptions, and its 18 takeaways overall are tied for second in the NFL, one behind the Los Angeles Rams.
Ravens safeties are doing a great job at disguising coverages, while cornerbacks are making plays in tight spaces, coach John Harbaugh said. Defenders have been effective in batting down balls and the pass rush is getting to the quarterback.
Safety Eric Weddle said creating turnovers was a top priority when he arrived in Baltimore after nine seasons with the Chargers. The Ravens have forced six turnovers over the past four games, but are just 1-3 in that stretch to fall three games behind the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North.
Two losses have each come by just three points. But offense has been the biggest problem.
"Once we start clicking on all three phases, we are a tough team to beat. We just have to get to that point," Weddle said. "We still believe in each other; it's a team game."
That has also been the mantra of the Packers (5-4) during a trying stretch without injured star Aaron Rodgers, who is out with a broken collarbone.
Third-year backup Hundley has made gradual strides over his three starts, to the point where the Packers snapped a three-game losing streak with a 23-16 victory last week over the Chicago Bears.
Hundley hasn't thrown an interception over his past two games. McCarthy is showing more trust in Hundley to take deep shots in critical situations.
"It gets his confidence going ... get that pressure off him that everyone keeps talking about" winning without Rodgers, receiver Jordy Nelson said. "It's a big aspect for us as a whole and for Brett to get that first win. Just let the momentum continue."
Other notes and things to watch on Sunday:
ON THE RUN: A balanced offense helped Hundley last week, with the Packers rushing for 160 yards and passing for 182. Green Bay won't have leading rusher Aaron Jones (knee) while fellow running back Ty Montgomery was limited at midweek with a lingering injury to his ribs.
But the Packers like the hard running by rookie backup Jamaal Williams, who had 67 yards on 20 carries against the Bears. He could be the team's third different starting running back this season.
LOOKS FAMILIAR: When the Ravens see Hundley, they see Rodgers. Well, technically speaking. Weddle said the pocket presence, quick throws and mannerisms look similar.
But the Packers haven't been as productive without Rodgers, averaging about 17 points in the four games (1-3) since he got hurt on Oct. 15 against Minnesota. They were averaging 27 points in the five games (4-1) before Rodgers' injury.
PASS-RUSHING PERRY: The pass rush finally picked up for the Packers after getting five sacks against Chicago, including three for Nick Perry. The outside linebacker doesn't need a club anymore to protect a hand he hurt early in the season. The Packers also have more depth on the outside with veteran Ahmad Brooks returning from a back injury, and rookie Vince Biegel back from a foot injury.
JOE'S WOES: After teeing off on Bears rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, the Packers will face a veteran in Baltimore's Joe Flacco.
But production has been a problem in Baltimore. The Ravens have the league's worst passing attack (165.7 yards) though they hope to build on the bright spot of two fourth-quarter touchdowns in the loss to the Titans two weeks ago.
"It'd be nice to get some of that stuff going early on and put some pressure on the defense," Flacco said.
GOODE TO GO: The Packers re-signing of long snapper Brett Goode for his second tour with the team this season should make life easier for reliable veteran kicker Mason Crosby. Goode snapped for the season's first three games before suffering a hamstring injury and reaching an injury settlement. The field goal unit has been a problem at times this season. With Rodgers out, the need to take advantage of all scoring opportunities becomes even more important in Green Bay.
PACKERS-RAVENS CAPSULE
OPENING LINE -- Ravens by 2 1-2
RECORD VS. SPREAD -- Baltimore 4-4-1, Green Bay 4-5
SERIES RECORD -- Packers lead 4-1
LAST MEETING -- Packers beat Ravens 19-17, Oct. 13, 2013
LAST WEEK -- Ravens had bye, lost to Titans 23-20 on Nov. 5; Packers beat Bears 23-16
AP PRO32 RANKING -- Ravens No. 19, Packers No. 16
RAVENS OFFENSE -- OVERALL (30), RUSH (10), PASS (32).
RAVENS DEFENSE -- OVERALL (6), RUSH (28), PASS (3).
PACKERS OFFENSE -- OVERALL (23t), RUSH (19), PASS (22).
PACKERS DEFENSE -- OVERALL (24), RUSH (17), PASS (20).
STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES -- First game at Lambeau Field between teams since Dec. 7, 2009, when Packers beat Ravens 27-14. ... Ravens' only win in series came Dec. 19, 2005, when 48-3 victory produced largest margin of victory in franchise history. ... QB Joe Flacco has not thrown INT three straight road games against NFC teams. ... League-worst passing attack averages 165.7 yards per game. ... RB Alex Collins (5.6) second in average yards per carry behind New Orleans' Alvin Kamara (6.5). ... WR Jeremy Maclin has receiving TD in each of three career games against Packers. ... Ravens D leads league with 13 interceptions. ... LB C.J. Mosley only NFL player with at least 75 tackles, two INTs and one sack. ... CB Jimmy Smith and Bears S Eddie Jackson only two NFL defenders to score touchdowns off interception and fumble recovery this season. ... Packers QB Brett Hundley connected with nine receivers in picking up first career win against Bears. ... WRs Davante Adams and Jordy Nelson each tied for third in league with six receiving TDs. ... Green Bay third in NFL in red zone offense (69.0 percent). Packers 30th in NFL in red zone defense (69.6 percent). ... LB Nick Perry had career-high three sacks last week against Bears. ... Fantasy tip: Packers RB Ty Montgomery still bothered by rib injury, so rookie Jamaal Williams figures to get more carries with leading rusher Aaron Jones (knee) out. Williams' hard running last week impressed coaching staff, with 67 yards on 20 carries. Ravens allow 125.9 yards per game, but haven't given up more than 71 in each of last two games.
