The Jets (2-1) are back in prime time, traveling to the Ravens (2-1) for a Sunday-night showdown that features two philosophically similar teams -- especially on defense. This game is huge for Rex Ryan, who faces his old team.
An early look at the Ravens:
• They were feeling like the Jets a week ago, coming off a tough road loss to the Titans. They got ripped every which way, but they responded with a 37-7 thrashing of the Rams.
• Before the St. Louis game, QB Joe Flacco went to coach John Harbaugh and expressed his desire to be more aggressive in the passing game. The best teams, Flacco said, are prolific passing teams. Harbaugh turned him loose. Flacco threw a career-high 48 passes for 389 yards and three touchdowns, including three first-quarter scores to rookie WR Torrey Smith. They went after CB Justin King relentlessly.
• Obviously, the Ravens are feeling pretty good about their passing game, but after seeing how the Raiders' Darren McFadden shredded the Jets, they might want to get the ball in the hands of RB Ray Rice (5.6 ypc). Like McFadden, Rice has the kind of outside speed that can pose problems for the Jets. He's also dangerous as a receiver -- 88 yards after the catch.
• The Ravens are ranked 20th in total defense, but don't believe that for a second. They're No. 1 in points allowed (13.3 ppg).
• Their top four defensive players might be the best in the league at their respective positions -- DE/DT Haloti Ngata (3 FR), ILB Ray Lewis (25 tackles), OLB Terrell Suggs (four sacks) and S Ed Reed (two INTs). We're talking about four Hall-of-Fame-type players, and they're all at the top of their game.
• So how the heck did they lose to the Titans? Obviously, there was a letdown after the season-opening rout of the Steelers, but their pass defense was carved up by Titans QB Matt Hasselbeck (358 yards) and Flacco was rattled by the Titans' pass rush (three sacks and three turnovers). No doubt, the Jets will look at this game and try to formulate a blue print.
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