Jets vs. Ravens: 3 Game Changers for the Sunday Night Matchup

Last year, the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens kicked off their 2010 campaigns on Monday Night Football, with the Ravens taking the game 10-9.

This year, the hype is building once again as both teams are 2-1 and facing off on Sunday Night Football. Baltimore is coming off a dominating 37-7 victory over the St. Louis Rams, while the Jets try to bounce back from a 34-24 loss to the Oakland Raiders.

The Jets and Ravens defenses will once again play a huge role in this match up, but the both team's offenses have improved enough to change the way the game is played.  Here are the three game changers that could help their respected team win in Week 4.

1. Ray Rice

Ray Rice, the former Rutgers standout, is dangerous in any situation because of his ability to run the ball and catch passes out of the backfield.

Rice currently has 231 yards on 41 attempts (5.6 per gain) and one touchdown rushing, but has also added 178 yards and 2 touchdowns receiving. His 136.3 total yards per game is ranked third in the NFL for all running backs.

The Jets were just ripped apart by Raiders RB Darren McFadden, who recorded 171 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. For the season, the Jets defense is giving up an AFC worst (31st NFL) 136.7 yards per game.

Rice was shutdown in his only game against the Jets in 2010 (62 total yards), so this matchup could go either way. If the Jets can control Rice, they will be able to control the game. However, if Rice is able to break free for big yardage, it could be a long day for Gang Green

2. Antonio Cromartie

Antonio Cromartie suffered a rib injury against the Raiders last weekend, and missed practice earlier in the week.

However, ESPN New York reports that Cromartie participated in a full practice yesterday and is listed as probable for Sunday's game against Baltimore. Regardless of the injury, a close eye will be on Cromartie as the Jets attempt to stop Ravens QB Joe Flacco.

Cromartie has had trouble in all aspects of his game this season. He was unable to keep up with Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant in Week 1, and had a fumble on a return against the Raiders last week. He has received criticism for being unable to cover his opponents this season, and the challenge will not get any easier against the Ravens

Baltimore's pass offense is ranked 8th in the league, averaging 261.3 yards per game this season. While the Ravens leading receiver Anquan Boldin will be covered by Darrelle Revis, on Revis Island, Cromartie will have to keep his eye on rookie Torrey Smith, who scored three touchdowns in his first NFL start last week.

Smith was compared to teammate Lee Evans, who is capable of burning his defender and making a big play for his team. If Cromartie is slow in coverage against the young speedster, he could face another long day against Baltimore. However, if Cromartie can cover Smith the entire game, then the Jets should have no trouble against the Ravens middle of the road passing game.

3. Mark Sanchez

Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez threw for a career-high 369 yards last week against the Raiders, but was roughed up by Oakland's defensive line and was unable to get the win.

In 2011, Sanchez has thrown for 866 yards with six touchdowns and four interceptions, and his 90.1 QB rating is well above his career rating of 72.5. He has been at the head of the Jets new look offensive that has eased away from their former "ground and pound" technique.

The Ravens pass defense is ranked 10th in the AFC, giving up 245.3 yards per game. However, they have faced the likes of Sam Bradford and Matt Hasselbeck, two quarterbacks who aren't considered dominant in the NFL.

The offensive play calling for the Jets has been criticized the past two weeks, and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has been placed on the hot seat for a second straight season. Wide receiver Santonio Holmes "suggested" that the Jets open up the field, and they certainly have the weapons to do so.

If Sanchez can successfully pass the ball and put up big points, then the Jets will be able to win this game easily. However, if inconsistent Sanchez shows up once again, this matchup could go either way.

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