Ravens vs. Jaguars: Ray Rice the Key to Ravens' Domination

The Baltimore Ravens have had one person to thank for their 4-1 record this year. It isn’t their defense, led by Ray Lewis. It sure as heck isn’t because of the QB play from Joe Flacco. No, the reason why this Baltimore Ravens team is in first place of the AFC North Division is because of their running back, Ray Rice.

Not only has Ray Rice dominated play for his NFL team, he’s been a rock for people who have him on their fantasy football teams.  

But, tonight he has to go against one of the other great running backs in the NFL today in Jacksonville’s Maurice Jones-Drew.  

However, the comparisons to the two running backs doesn’t seem to affect how Rice prepares for this game saying, "Let’s see who comes out as the better running back that day," 

"We are just two ‘undersized guys’ that have proven ourselves over and over that, not only are we great running backs, but we are here to stay and we are going to continue to try to be consistent backs in this league," Rice said.  

What Jones-Drew cannot compare to Rice is that his Jaguars team is very under-matched when it comes to both sides of the football. The Jacksonville defense does not match up that well against Rice. Unlike the Baltimore defense, which has shut down every running back that has gone against Rice this year.  

When Rice and his Ravens played teams with great running backs like, Houston and Arian Foster, St. Louis and Steven Jackson and Pittsburgh and Rashard Mendenhall, Rice and his Ravens have came out victorious. 

Tonight, it will be on Ray Rice’s shoulders as to how successful this Ravens offense is on Monday Night.  

What makes Rice special is, if the Jaguars try to shut down his running ability by stacking the defensive line, trying to cut his running lanes down, Rice will just make himself a passing threat.

As a passing threat this year, Rice ranks second in receptions (23) and targets (32), coming in just two receptions away from leading the Ravens and six targets from being the most targeted offensive player. 

Tonight, against the Jaguars, he will be the deciding factor in if the Ravens stay in first place in the tough AFC North Division. If he has a great game, as he has in their four wins, the Ravens will have no problem in getting a road victory. 

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