The Baltimore Ravens’ defense may have had its most impressive game of the season last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and without several starters to boot. This week, the Dallas Cowboys might not present as daunting a task, but the key to keeping their offense off the field — let alone out of the end zone — may come down to controlling star running back Ezekiel Elliott.
While Baltimore has relied mostly on their big men up front to stunt opposing rushing attacks, the availability of Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams on Tuesday still looks questionable, even though Campbell has been activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
Sure, the Ravens did a remarkable job last week in spite of those and other absences, but controlling Elliott may ultimately come down to the speed and overall presence of their linebackers — Namely 2020 NFL Draft first-round pick Patrick Queen.
Aside from a few rookie growing pains — mostly in coverage — Queen has been nothing short of outstanding leading the inside linebackers for Baltimore this season. His presence, and more importantly, his sideline-to-sideline speed could be the difference when facing a dangerous opposing back like Elliott.
If the Ravens are without their powerful run-stoppers again, Queen (as well as his supplement of inside linebackers) will need to step up and keep Elliott from popping off chunk yards or breaking loose altogether. If Queen can effectively use his speed to contain Elliott when he touches the ball, the Cowboys should be in for a disappointing evening.
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