Tag: 2024 AFC Playoffs

Ravens WR Zay Flowers may be the X-factor vs. Texans

Could Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers be an X-factor versus the Texans in the AFC Divisional?

The Baltimore Ravens rank No. 1 in rush yards per carry, and when opponents crowd the box, wide receiver Zay Flowers is often left guarded 1-on-1 on the outside. Could he be the X-Factor in the AFC Divisional?

After tallying a record-breaking 858 total receiving yards this season,  Flowers needs to transfer that season play-over into the playoffs. Surely, Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans is thinking of ways to stop Flowers, but that’s easier said than done.

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Flowers recorded 77 receptions this season, averaging 11.1 yards per catch. Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken has done a terrific job getting Flowers into space on screens, quick slants, comeback routes, wheel routes, and more.

Flowers runs a  40-yard dash speed of 4.42 and has yielded 387 yards after catch this season to lead the team. His electrifying speed was displayed when he ignited M&T Bank Stadium the last time he took the field in week 17 with a 75-yard touchdown catch.

Monken should use Flowers over the top this week, as Ryans may be looking to crowd the line of scrimmage and neutralize the Ravens’ running game.

Monken should be looking to use every misdirection play he has in the playbook to get the Texans’ defense out of position to open up lanes for his skill players. The speed of Flowers can be the x-factor on offense, compromising any attempt for the Texans to press at the line of scrimmage.

Don’t forget about Ravens RB Justice Hill

The Baltimore Ravens should be careful not to slight the contributions running back Justice Hill has made this season.

With the signing of running back Dalvin Cook, the Baltimore Ravens should be careful not to slight the contributions of running back Justice Hill this season.

Hill went from playing frequently early in the season to losing reps to rookie running back Keaton Mitchell. When Mitchell suffered a season-ending injury in week 15, Hill re-emerged, elevating his play to function as a timely asset to the Ravens’ offense.

Hill had five catches on five targets in week 17, making one touchdown catch while recording 48 rush yards on three carries. Hill also returned two kicks for 101 yards as well. After such an emphatic performance, head coach John Harbaugh must be mindful not to ruin team comradery by allowing Cook to believe he will receive most of the reps at running back.

Offensive coordinator Todd Monken should work Cook into the rotation behind running back Gus Edwards, primarily on early downs. Hill should be the primary on third down until he shows himself inadequate.

Cook has taken zero snaps in the Ravens’ offense that already ranks No. 1 in the NFL in total rush yards. Hill, Edwards, Mitchell, and quarterback Lamar Jackson are the players that should be accredited for this success. Finally, while Cook’s skills cannot be denied, unless Hill’s play declines, the Ravens’ should avoid disrupting team chemistry.  

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Seven team AFC playoff field is set after Titans upset Jaguars

The seven team AFC playoff field is set and the Steelers are in after the Tennessee Titans upset the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday

The AFC playoff field is set after the Titans upset the Jaguars in the early portion of Sunday’s AFC Week 18 games.

Pittsburgh needed a win over Baltimore and a loss by either Buffalo or Jacksonville to avoid missing the playoffs for the second straight season.

Once Houston secures the AFC South, their matchup with Cleveland is the only Wild Card Weekend contest set in stone.