Chargers' ability to combat Ravens' pressure will be critical in rematch, and they have options
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Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers tries to avoid Ravens linebacker Patrick Onwuasor when the teams played Dec. 22 at StubHub Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Mike DiGiovanna
Russell OkungBaltimore Ravens defense, to a pick-and-roll play in basketball, where a linebacker sets a screen on an offensive lineman while a defensive tackle or edge rusher rolls around the pick and barrels toward the quarterback.
A pick-and-steamroll play would be a more accurate description, seeing as how the Ravens flattened Okung and his offensive line mates in Dec. 22.
The Chargers averaged 33 points and 370 total yards during a four-game win streak over Arizona, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Kansas City from Nov. 25-Dec. 13, but they were reduced to a band of smothered brothers by the Ravens, who rank first in the NFL in yards (292.9) and second in points (17.9) allowed per game.
The Ravens sacked quarterback Philip RiversMike Pouncey and left guard Dan FeeneyThe ChargersHunter HenryPatrick Onwuasor, who had nine tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble that night, lined up in the A gap, between Pouncey and Schofield. Defensive end Brent UrbanNick Hardwickimage.png
As winners and playoff qualifiers Sunday, the Chargers still expressed some discontent after their 23-9 victory.
That was nowhere more apparent than in front of the locker of running back Melvin GordonPro Bowl safety Eric Weddle, the former Charger, and Pro Bowl linebacker C.J. Mosley, the Ravens are as tough in the secondary as they are in the trenches.
This Ravens defense might not be quite as stingy as the Ray Lewis
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Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers tries to avoid Ravens linebacker Patrick Onwuasor when the teams played Dec. 22 at StubHub Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Mike DiGiovanna
Russell OkungBaltimore Ravens defense, to a pick-and-roll play in basketball, where a linebacker sets a screen on an offensive lineman while a defensive tackle or edge rusher rolls around the pick and barrels toward the quarterback.
A pick-and-steamroll play would be a more accurate description, seeing as how the Ravens flattened Okung and his offensive line mates in Dec. 22.
The Chargers averaged 33 points and 370 total yards during a four-game win streak over Arizona, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Kansas City from Nov. 25-Dec. 13, but they were reduced to a band of smothered brothers by the Ravens, who rank first in the NFL in yards (292.9) and second in points (17.9) allowed per game.
The Ravens sacked quarterback Philip RiversMike Pouncey and left guard Dan FeeneyThe ChargersHunter HenryPatrick Onwuasor, who had nine tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble that night, lined up in the A gap, between Pouncey and Schofield. Defensive end Brent UrbanNick Hardwickimage.png
As winners and playoff qualifiers Sunday, the Chargers still expressed some discontent after their 23-9 victory.
That was nowhere more apparent than in front of the locker of running back Melvin GordonPro Bowl safety Eric Weddle, the former Charger, and Pro Bowl linebacker C.J. Mosley, the Ravens are as tough in the secondary as they are in the trenches.
This Ravens defense might not be quite as stingy as the Ray Lewis
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