After mostly steamrolling through each of their opponents, the Ravens and Chargers meet at M&T Bank Stadium Sunday in a game that will eliminate another unbeaten team in the NFL.
The Ravens enter the game 3-0 for the first time in franchise history. The Chargers (2-0) are two years removed from the winning the AFC West and have one of the more dangerous offenses in the league.
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In an odd twist, each team will give the other legitimacy with a win, even though neither club made the playoffs last year.
The Ravens three wins have come against teams that are a combined 0-8.
“Right now, I don?t think that could give us any clue whether we are beating teams because they?re bad or we?re beating teams because we?re good,” Ravens tight end Todd Heap said. “And the same for them, so we?ll see who is better this Sunday. That?s what it comes down to.”
The Ravens are hoping to sharpen their offensive focus. While they rallied from a 14-3 deficit in last weekend?s win over the Browns, the offense once again relied heavily on the leg of field goal kicker Matt Stover to put points on the board.
Throughout Baltimore?s three games, the defense has generated turnovers that have put the team in position to score points, but the offense has struggled in the red zone. Ravens players have labeled the Chargers defense as “bend but don?t break,” which is exactly the kind of defense Baltimore has had problems with so far.
“They really come at you,” Ravens offensive guard Edwin Mulitalo said. “They try to force their will on the offense. I think that we can match up well with them and come up on the ball and spread the ball over the field.”
Ravens quarterback Steve McNair hasbeen serviceable so far. Receivers Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton have shined in recent games, often extending shorter passes from McNair.
“Ultimately, those plays in that situation go back to training camp, and the offense is expected to make plays on third down to keep our drive going to get into position to score points, as well as give our defense a rest,” Clayton said. “I think we expect that of the offense.”
Mason has 226 yards on the season and will need to play well, since McNair likely will be under pressure from the Chargers? pass rush, particularly linebacker Shawne Merriman (three sacks).
“Some things that he does are unbelievable,” McNair said. “At the same time, we have to know where he is at all times and have somebody account for him.”
Defensively, the Ravens must pursue running back LaDainian Tomlinson, which will not be an easy task. Not only is Tomlinson a tough, multidimensional runner, but his road to the end zone is paved by Pro Bowl fullback Lorenzo Neal and a solid offensive line.
“The National Football League doesn?t get any better than this,” Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis said. “This is one of those games where you could sit at home and be like, ?Wow! Can I play in that game one day?? ”
Notes
Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (back), safety Ed Reed (foot) and linebacker Terrell Suggs (hamstring) are listed as questionable for Sunday?s game.
Chargers (2-0) at Ravens (3-0)
Where: M&T Bank Stadium
When: Sunday, Oct. 1
TV: CBS, 1 p.m. Radio: 97.9 FM/1090 AM
