The Baltimore Ravens aim for their second consecutive victory as they host the surging Buffalo Bills.
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Oct 2, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) dodges Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano (58) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
SI – Baltimore Ravens – NFL
Ravens vs. Bills Preview: Darkness Falls
Oct 2, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) dodges Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano (58) in the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
The Baltimore Ravens are aiming for their second consecutive win as they prepare to host the high-flying Buffalo Bills.
by: Jon Alfano
Posted: Sep 29, 2024 / 07:00 AM EDT
Updated: Sep 29, 2024 / 07:00 AM EDT
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The Ravens may have secured their first win, but they still face challenges after a 1-2 start.
Despite last week’s victory over the Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore remains in a tough spot. Up next is a difficult matchup against the Buffalo Bills, one of the league’s top teams this season. With a national spotlight shining on this AFC showdown, the Ravens see this as both a major challenge and a prime opportunity.
“[It’s a] big challenge in front of us. Many things that make this game – great game – make it a challenge and an opportunity,” head coach John Harbaugh said Friday. “We’re looking forward to it. We have a little over 48 hours to keep preparing, and we’ll try to keep preparing for this great team we’re about to play. What questions do you have?”
Slowing down the Bills will require stopping star quarterback Josh Allen, who is widely considered an MVP frontrunner. Allen was nearly flawless in Buffalo’s dominant win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday, completing 23 of 30 passes for 263 yards and four touchdowns. Naturally, Allen has been the focal point for the Ravens’ defense in preparation.
The Ravens’ bigger concern, however, is playing a full game. They’ve been outscored 32-7 in the fourth quarter of their last two games and almost lost a 22-point lead against Dallas. Penalties and other errors have been problematic for Baltimore late in games, and given Buffalo’s ability to exploit mistakes, cleaning up those issues is essential.
“As cliche as it is, we just have to communicate and have to be on the same page,” linebacker Roquan Smith said Friday. “That’s something we’re honing in on, making sure before each play, pre-snap, and post-play, we’re all aligned. If we do that, we’ll eliminate a lot of the mistakes because they’re self-inflicted.”
Offensively, the Ravens must contend with a Bills defense that has allowed only 10 points in each of their last two games. Greg Rousseau and Von Miller anchor a fierce pass rush, and a stout run defense will be a tough test for Derrick Henry and the Ravens’ offense.
“When you turn on the tape, you want it to look like what you want it to look like,” offensive coordinator Todd Monken said Thursday. “That’s easier said than done, especially against the best in the world. But we’ve had a great week of practice, and I’m looking forward to Sunday night.”
Kickoff at M&T Bank Stadium is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET, with the Ravens as slight favorites as of Friday night.
