RAVENS PASS OFFENSE VS. JAGUARS PASS DEFENSE

( DOUG KAPUSTIN, MCT / October 16, 2011 )

Quarterback Joe Flacco has faced the Jaguars one other time in his career in 2008, going 17-of-23 for 297 yards while not turning the ball over. Flacco overcame a tough second quarter and a slew of hard hits to throw for 305 yards against the Texans. He’s never eclipsed the 300-yard mark in back-to-back games. With Flacco showing more and more chemistry with Anquan Boldin (team-leading 23 catches) and rookie Torrey Smith (nine grabs for 237 yards and three touchdowns) and Rice remaining a big factor in the passing game, the Ravens have put an emphasis on protecting their quarterback better. Flacco has been sacked 10 times in five games, but he’s been under frequent duress. Veteran Matt Roth is the Jaguars’ leading sacker with three. Only 10 NFL teams have fewer than Jacksonville’s 11 team sacks. The biggest improvement with the Jaguars’ defense has come in the secondary, which is holding teams to 210.3 passing yards a game, good for eighth in the NFL. Former New York Jets safety Dwight Lowery has two interceptions and former Ravens safety Dawan Landry leads the secondary in tackles. Rashean Mathis is the Jaguars’ best corner.

EDGE: EVEN