Jets vs. Ravens: 5 Halftime Observations for the Ravens

The Ravens have taken it to the Jets thus far, starting off with a sack-fumble by Ed Reed which ended in a Jameel McClain recovery and touchdown. Not many better ways to start a game on defense, but Joe McKnight's huge kickoff return for a touchdown punched the Ravens into a serious 'let's get down to business' mode. Whatever happened, it gave the Ravens exactly what they needed, and they've taken a good lead in front of their hometown crowd. 

Baltimore has had plenty of experience keeping the lead in the first few weeks and shouldn't need to do much to keep the Jets offense at bay.

Joe Flacco has made the big mistake of the first half, resulting in a pick-six, but the second half is not the time to take the foot off the pedal. Cameron needs to dial it up and get the ball in the hands of the playmakers.

Let's take a look at some of the keys to the second half for the Ravens.  

1) With Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie taking care of Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin, this is the perfect time to get second-year tight ends Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta into the passing game.

We saw it on the first possession of the game, and it would very wise for John Harbaugh and the Ravens to continue to work those guys into the gameplan. Because both are so big and fast, Pitta and Dickson are huge matchup problems for the Jets' safeties and linebackers.

Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron will need to take advantage of this matchup because those over the middle tight end receptions could be the difference in the game. 

2) The field position battle is often one of the most impactful keys to the game when you're dealing with two stud defenses. Clearly that's what we have with the Jets and the Ravens.

Joe Flacco can not afford to make mistakes against the Jets' dangerous cornerbacks. The best idea Flacco can have under pressure is to throw the ball away. A short field is usually the quickest way to a touchdown. (Unless it's a sack, fumble, return for a TD).

3) The Ravens' red-zone woes have been one of the biggest storylines of the season in Baltimore thus far. Their first three touchdowns were equally impressive last week against the Rams but they were all deep passes. Tonight against the Jets, the Ravens have gotten back to the old ground and pound in the red zone. There they've found success and there they need to stay. 

4) Proving to America how overrated Mark Sanchez is would be an excellent way to get to 3-1. He's already committed a terrible error on the bobbled snap. If the Jets continue to overreact and move their starting guard to center, I would hope that Chuck Pagano knows to continue to bring the most pressure straight up the gut.

Whether it's a rookie free agent or someone playing out of position, the Ravens need to bring Haloti Ngata over and over again. Make Sanchez run for his life and you'll see excellent dividends on the scoreboard. 

5) Just for fun. Let's see how angry we can make Rex Ryan tonight. I'm sure that the former Ravens' defensive coordinator was not expecting a 20-point deficit just a few minutes into the second quarter, and for reasons unknown decided to take a timeout just seconds before a point after attempt by Baltimore.

It did seem like he had a few choice words for Head Referee Mike Carey. With the amount of trash talking Ryan and the rest of the Jets did this week, I say pile it on Ravens.