Ravens vs. Jaguars: Halftime Keys to Victory for the Ravens

It hasn't been a pretty first half for either team, but I'm sure most pundits would be shocked if you had predicted this game would be so close at the half. While most expected the Ravens to come out and put up gaudy numbers on Monday Night Football, the Jaguars had other plans entirely.

Let's take a look at what the Ravens need to do to live up to their potential and put this game away in the second half.

1) Play-Action

The Jaguars' cornerbacks have been absolutely blanketing the Ravens' cornerbacks and that's when Flacco actually has time in the pocket to throw the ball. Cam Cameron needs to keep pounding the ball between the tackles to set-up the play-action. We all know Ray Rice will have a short memory after coughing up his first fumble in since 2009. Let's make him prove it.

2) Special Teams

Special Teams coverage has been subpar thus far. The Jags had a long punt return negated, and then did it once again after fourth down was replayed. Take the touchback on kick returns, and when in coverage do your job and make the tackles. There were far too many missed tackles in the first half, and that's got to change, even against a team as bad as Jacksonville.

3) Keep Defense Off the Field

Three-and-outs really piled up in the first half. The less time the offense is on the field, the longer the defense has to play. The Ravens' defense is elite, but they are aging. Joe Flacco needs to pull this game together. To quote Gene Hackman in 'The Replacements': "winners want the ball when the game is on the line." If Flacco wants to get the critics off his back he needs to be consistent on a week-to-week basis. As a Baltimore native, all I've seen tonight is a 'rookie' Flacco running for his life and making poor decisions.

4) Sam Koch is So Good

Everyone in Baltimore already knows it but he doesn't get the recognition that he deserves. His punts have been absolutely booming but unfortunately he's seen more action tonight than the Ravens would like. Give the guy a break and put some points on the board. I'm sure he doesn't mind holding PATs.