MIKE PRESTON’S KEY MATCHUPS
Falcons WRs Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley and Mohamed Sanu vs. Ravens CBs Jimmy Smith, Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Carr: The Ravens have struggled against good receivers. They attack less for fear of getting beat and don’t press at the line of scrimmage. Jones has 84 catches for 1,305 yards and three touchdowns. Ridley has 47 catches for 625 yards, and Sanu is dangerous outside or in the slot. The Ravens use a three-man rotation on the outside with Smith, Humphrey and Carr, but that might change. Falcons OC Alex Mack vs. Ravens DTs Brandon Williams and Michael Pierce: The Falcons have the No. 31-ranked rushing offense in the NFL, and the Ravens need to dominate. If a team is to have success running the ball against the Ravens, it has to block Williams and Pierce. Mack is one of the better centers in the league. Not only is he strong, but he is also fast, quick, able to pull and make blocks into the second level. Williams and Pierce are tough to move at the point of attack. Falcons CBs Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford vs. Ravens WRs Michael Crabtree and John Brown: Because the Ravens have been so run-oriented lately, it is hard to imagine them throwing downfield a lot — but most opposing teams have gone after Trufant and Alford with the long ball. The Falcons are allowing 273 passing yards per game. Crabtree and Brown will be demanding the ball Sunday, and the Ravens should oblige Brown because of his speed.