Indianapolis Colts vs Baltimore Ravens Preview
If you look at the records this game seems like a mismatch, but we don’t look at just the records. Baltimore has always played Indianapolis tough, and vice versa. In this game you have two of the greatest motivators and leaders the game has ever seen. Peyton Manning is coming off an amazing game against the Patriots, and has his team fired up and ready to play on Sunday. Ray Lewis is coming off a 16-0 lack-luster win against the Cleveland Browns, Lewis and the Ravens are always ready to face Manning and the Colts.
Key match-ups:
The Ravens run game against the Colts defense: Ray Rice is an emerging running back in the NFL, not only a solid rusher but also a good receiver out of the backfield. The Colts’ have quite possibly the best two defensive ends in the game today, Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney reek havoc in every offensive backfield that they have faced this year and will continue to do so. Watch for the Ravens if they can establish the run it may open up the passing game and it could pay big dividends with the Colts secondary depleted with injuries. If the Colts are able to get to Rice and shut down the run game, look for Freeney and Mathis to pin their ears back and it will be a long day for Flacco and the Ravens offense.> Find Indianapolis Colts hats & Merchandise online through Pro Football Fans for all your team gear!
Keys to the game:
Can the Ravens defense contain that high powered Indianapolis Colts offense? Manning and his young corps of receivers are coming off a huge win against the Patriots, but will there be a let down? I don’t think so the major hurdle in the Indy schedule was and has always been the Patriots game, with that behind them; now the Colts can focus on winning their division and locking up home field throughout the playoffs.
Wrap-up:
The Baltimore Ravens always play Indianapolis tough, the chess match mind game between the Colts offense and Ravens defense is classic, but nowadays that Ravens defense is older and one step slower, and the Colts offense seems to be getting younger but is just as good. I believe that Indy will prevail in this game, Manning and his young receivers will pick the Ravens defense apart, it will be a close game but in the end the Colts are more well-rounded and it will show on Sunday.
By
Sam Adams
Pro Football Fans Indianapolis Colts Correspondent