Baltimore Ravens: Joe Flacco the Key to Beating 49ers

A showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers awaits Joe Flacco and his 1-4 squad. Saving the season won’t be easy. But, if it is to be done, the eighth year quarterback must ensure he’s at the helm of an impressive season comeback.

Tomorrow’s game is a must-win. Flacco knows it, John Harbaugh knows it and Baltimore fans certainly can tell you that they know it.

Win and the fight continues.

Lose and it’s likely NFL Draft prep time for Ozzie Newsome.

With that said … the three keys to victory for Flacco and his Ravens.

Construct a game plan that allows Joe Flacco to run a simple game from the shotgun.

With Lorenzo Taliaferro on IR and Justin Forsett very questionable to hit the field in this one, the Ravens are left with rookie from USC Buck Allen to carry the rock and the majority of the rushing game load against SF.

That means more work for Joe Flacco’s passing game, with or without Steve Smith Sr.

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Marc Trestman must finally piggyback off Gary Kubiak’s plan from 2014, allowing Flacco to work out of the shotgun and methodically work his way downfield. Contrary to popular belief, Flacco doesn’t need a running game to win games like this one.

Very simply, he needs a comfortable game plan that allows him to be in command, not at the mercy of a shot in the dark rushing attack.

Scheme a methodical pass-rush and force Colin Kaepernick to throw. 

No, the Ravens secondary isn’t feared.

It’s genuinely one of the NFL’s worst.

However, Baltimore’s chance of winning skyrockets if they force Kaepernick to win the game with his arm and minimal receiving threats. This one falls on Dean Pees. He knows Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin won’t gash the defense. It’s up to the defensive coordinator to keep Kaepernick in the pocket, not in open space.

The Ravens can stop the run and should handle Carlos Hyde (if active) relatively well. What they can’t afford is Kaepernick using his legs to keep drives alive.

Simply find the momentum early, catering to Flacco and Co.’s game.

In the past several years of Joe Flacco’s best era at QB, it’s been shown time and time again that Flacco is unstoppable when his first drive goes well. If he can score a touchdown on drive one by any means necessary, it going to be a productive afternoon.

Odd, yes. But it’s the type of player he is.

Flacco’s momentum is imperative this year especially with a defense which will surrender plenty of yardage on the other side.

Trestman must be perfect in his planning and ensure points on the team’s first drive. With that will come many, many more.