Toucher & Rich: AFC Preview, The Baltimore Ravens
Toucher & Rich continued their trip around the AFC Tuesday morning with a look at the Baltimore Ravens.
After their bye week, the No. 2 seed Ravens will host the Houston Texans on Sunday afternoon.
Former Redskins General Manager Vinny Cerrato, also the former 49ers Director of College Scouting, spoke with Toucher & Rich about the Ravens, the health of the team, Ray Rice and this Sunday's game.
Like all teams in the playoffs, the Ravens are dealing with injuries. Ray Lewis has an ailing toe and has not been up to par recently. Has the team been able to heal with the time off between games?
"Yes, in Harbaugh's press conference yesterday, everybody will practice today. They've had a couple guys with concussions that should be cleared today, but everybody should be full go," said Cerrato.
When Cerrato looks at the Patriots and the numbers that Tom Brady is putting up, does he think that Joe Flacco can match those numbers if they meet?
"I don't think by himself. I think the Ravens found out what they need to do to be successful. They need balance. They need Ray Rice to touch the ball more than 20 times. They found out that Joe Flacco can't line up and throw it 40 to 50 times a game and win those games. Those are game that they lost," said Cerrato.
The Texans and the Ravens look to be very evenly matched. Did Cerrato see any weaknesses last week that the Ravens might be able to exploit when they play the Texans Sunday?
"I think for T.J. Yates it's going to be tough. It's going to be his first game on the road and playing in Baltimore, it's very loud. It's going to be very tough for him as a rookie to play on the road in that type of environment. Both teams are going to try and stop the run and then it's what quarterback makes mistakes."
They went on to discuss the Ravens defense, which even before Harbaugh arrived, was considered one of the best defenses in the NFL. Where does this defense rank against the history of great defenses this team has had?
"I think it's a good defense. I don't think it's a great defense," said Cerrato.
Cerrato also revealed who he thinks will win the AFC.
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