BAL - JAX (Week 17)

KEY MATCHUPS:


Jaguars TE Marcedes Lewis vs. Ravens FS Ed Reed

Lewis won't win many one-one-one battles with Reed, but when he does find himself open in man-coverage situations, he's got to catch the ball. Lewis has struggled with drops lately because of a tendency to try to run before actually making the catch. Against a playmaker like Reed, a drop can quickly turn into an interception for a touchdown.

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Ravens LBs

Because of Baltimore's blitz-heavy scheme, Jones-Drew will find himself in one-on-one situations against the Ravens linebackers. QB David Garrard and Jones-Drew need to make the Ravens pay every chance they get. Jones-Drew possesses 4.3 speed, which presents a mismatch against Baltimore's LBs. Jones-Drew likely won't hurt this defense on passes in the flat, but longer developing crossing routes — if Garrard is given ample time — would force the Ravens LBs to cover more ground, which increases the likelihood of Jones-Drew getting out into space.

Ravens TE Todd Heap vs. Jaguars SS Gerald Sensabaugh

When the Jags blitz, Sensabaugh will wind up covering Heap man-to-man on most occasions. While Sensabaugh is athletic enough to handle the responsibility, Heap's size advantage could make covering him a tough assignment, especially in red-zone situations. When the Jags play Cover 2 shell, look for Flacco to try to take advantage of Heap out in space by hitting him quickly down the seam.