1. Will the Ravens revive their passing game?
As the Ravens (2-3) take on the Miami Dolphins (2-3) today in South Florida in a matchup with the team that went 1-15 a year ago with its lone victory coming at the Ravens’ expense, this shapes up as a pivotal game for rookie quarterback Joe Flacco. Flacco has thrown five interceptions in his past two games after only getting picked off twice in his first three NFL games. However, this could be the day that he starts to get back on track. Everyone throws on the Dolphins, who have the 29th-ranked pass defense in the league. Case in point: Their secondary allowed five passes of 25 yards or longer in a loss to the Houston Texans.
2. Can the Ravens tame the Wildcat?
The Dolphins are running a creative offense based on direct snaps to the running back and other gadget plays. It’s based on confusion and taking advantage of getting both talented running backs involved. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are big, strong, fast and tough to tackle. The Ravens don’t believe in allowing 100-yard rushers, but Brown is the top threat so far this year to do so. He has already scored seven touchdowns.
3. Can the Ravens pressure Chad Pennington?
Pennington has revitalized his career since leaving the New York Jets. He has recorded a passer rating of better than 100 for three consecutive games. He’s the first Dolphins quarterback to accomplish that feat since legend Dan Marino in 1994. The Ravens need to apply some heat to Pennington after posting just two sacks in the past two games.
4. Can the return game get on track?
With Yamon Figurs dealing with a knee contusion, the Ravens’ return game will still need someone to break a long return against the Dolphins. Miami has the worst kickoff coverage in the league and the fourth-worst punt coverage team. The Dolphins allowed returns of 70 and 50 yards last week against the Texans.
5. Will the Ravens get Willis McGahee involved?
