MIKE PRESTON’S KEY MATCHUPS
Chargers OTs Russell Okung and Sam Tevi vs. Ravens OLBs Terrell Suggs, Matthew Judon and Za’Darius Smith: Nearly two weeks ago, the Ravens trio dominated the Chargers tandem and made life miserable for quarterback Philip Rivers. Look for the Chargers to change up their protection scheme and give more help to Okung and Tevi. They’ll probably chip more and give them help with either a tight end or running back before they release into pass patterns. The Ravens don’t have to adjust much. They beat Okung and Tevi using speed and leverage. Chargers OGs Dan Feeney and Michael Schofield III vs. Ravens DTs Michael Pierce and Brandon Williams: Williams and Pierce may have played their best game as a tandem the last time they faced Los Angeles. The Chargers couldn’t run halfback Melvin Gordon III inside or outside because their guards were allowing too much penetration. Williams has 34 tackles and Pierce has 32. Pierce has excellent pursuit from anywhere on the field regardless if he is playing the end or tackle positions. He is one of the tackles that runs down opposing ball carriers on screen passes.
The Ravens secondary seems to have found its groove except for the hiccup last week against the Browns. Look for the Chargers to run a lot of the spread offense to create space in the Ravens defense. They will also probably throw a lot of quick, short passes because they can’t handle the Ravens pass rush. The Ravens need to play a lot of press coverage.