Ravens, Terps, Orioles and More

The Ravens have been plagued with injuries throughout the season.  With 19 players on the IR, including 3 starters from the defense, the Ravens have had to adapt all season.  Not only has the defense lost 3 preseason starters in Dawan Landry, Kelly Gregg and Chris McAlister, they have lost key role players like Dwan Edwards, Lamar Divens and Tavares Gooden.  While Jim Leonhard, Fabian Washington, Justin Banaan and a slew of others have filled in for the most part very well, the Ravens are facing adversity due to injury yet again this weekend.  

Terrell Suggs injured his shoulder tackling QB Kerry Collins last weekend against the Titans. Suggs seemed rather somber in his interview today when answering questions regarding his status for Sunday's game. Even if Suggs is able to go, expect him to be limited to a smaller number of snaps.  Peter Boulware, who played two seasons in a shoulder harness similar to that which Suggs will attempt to go with on Sunday, said that the harness will somewhat restrict Suggs' play.  If Suggs is unable to go or is limited expect to see a much larger dose of Edgar Jones.  While Jones, Marques Douglas and Jameel McClain look to split the duties if Suggs can't go, I'd expect to see the versatile Jones increase his snaps the most. Douglas is much more of a 3-4 DE while McClain is much more of a LB, while Jones seems to provide that blend of abilities and traits that most resemble Suggs' hybrid style.  

Samari Rolle's status for the game is also very questionable.  Rolle injured his groin last Sunday and ESPN has reported that it is doubtful that he plays Sunday against the Steelers. ESPN seems to have backed off somewhat from this but even if Rolle can go he may not be 100% and could very easily re-injure himself.  With that in mind, Frank Walker and Corey Ivy must come to play. Walker, who has a tendency to face-guard, would slide into Rolle's spot if Rolle can't go.  

Whoever plays on Sunday, it will be interesting to see what Rex Ryan is willing to call.  Ryan usually calls a very complex game with blitzes coming from many different directions. But with two more fill-ins one wonders if he will feel comfortable taking as many risks on Sunday.  

The Ravens have had players step up as a result of injuries all season long and will need a few more players to do so on Sunday if they hope to have a chance.

Rookie quarterback Joe Flacco has played high above outsiders' expectations all season long but the former Blue Hen must step up his game even more on Sunday if he hopes to become the first rookie quarterback to lead his team to a Super Bowl appearance.  Flacco, who turns 24 on Friday, has had an unspectacular, yet functional, playoffs so far.  

Against Miami, in a game which seemed in hand by the end of the first half, Flacco went 9 for 23 with only 135 yards.  Against the stout Titans' defense, Flacco was 11 for 22 for only 161 yards but came up when he needed to with two big throws.  

After an early 65 yard touchdown drive by the Titans which was capped off by an 8 yard scamper by Chris Johnson, Flacco responded with a 48 yard rocket to former Titan Derrick Mason for a touchdown.  In the 4th quarter after a Rob Bironas field goal to tie the game at 10,  Flacco took the Ravens 51  yards in 3:30 to put the Ravens in range for a go-ahead field goal. Facing 3rd and short, Flacco completed  a 23 yard pass to TE Todd Heap. Though controversial as a result of the play clock running down to 0, the throw was beautiful and showed off Flacco's incredible arm strength. 

This weekend Flacco will have to go against the #1 defense in the NFL, one which he had his worst game of the season statistically against in week 15.  In that matchup, Flacco threw for 2 interceptions and accumulated a 22.2 QB rating.  Flacco will have to play much better if the Ravens hope to have a chance in this weekend's game.  Not only are the Steelers coming off putting up 35 points against a hot Chargers team, but the Ravens defense will be shorthanded as a result of injuries.  Samari Rolle will most likely be out according to ESPN, while Terrell Suggs missed practice on Thursday and will be limited if he plays. With two key facets of their defense missing or limited, expect the offense to have to step up.  Flacco, who has become known for his calmness on the field and with the media (even when the "media" is his teammate), will have to make some exciting plays on Sunday if the Ravens hope to win.