Justin Smith and 6 49ers That Must Ball out vs. Baltimore Ravens

The San Francisco 49ers' Justin Smith leads a handful of players that need to ball out in order to secure a victory for the team vs. the Baltimore Ravens. This Thanksgiving blessing from the gods of football promises to be one of the top games of the 2011 NFL season.

The storylines that this game offers up to the media are numerous and captivating, but I, for one, don't have too many concerns other than what the game itself offers up. The one exception to this broad statement is the concerns I have for the grueling schedule that the league has offered to some teams this year.

But I digress.

One of the hallmarks of the 49ers' success this season is the "team" concept. I know, right? It seems like something any pee-wee head coach drills into his would-be superstars. But to a man, the message coming out of the San Francisco locker room about why this year's team is different is that Harbaugh has made them a family.

But, as in every family, there are individuals that carry more responsibility than others. The upcoming contest against the Ravens will be brutal, and some players will need to step up to the plate and deliver. 

Dashon Goldson

Dashon Goldson, while provoked, still owes his teammates for letting his temper get the best of him. I believe he learned his lesson, but the consequences could be fatal if he doesn't learn to reign things in emotionally in the playoffs.

Against the Baltimore Ravens, Goldson will have his hands full trying to corral the explosive deep passing game between Joe Flacco and Torrey Smith. Lee Evans can also still get deep. With Anquan Boldin running underneath, the Ravens offense can be lethal. 

Dashon Goldson needs to bring exceptional focus and discipline to this contest to ensure a victory for the 49ers.

Joe Staley/Anthony Davis

The Ravens feature one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. Terrell Suggs is a nightmare. Offensive tackles Joe Staley and Anthony Davis will need to step up big to keep Suggs from having a big night.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh has done a lot of different things over the course of the season to protect Alex Smith. The team has kept tight end Vernon Davis in as an added blocker on many passing plays. They have also shown a willingness at times to leave Davis and Staley out on an island to handle the edge. 

One of the keys to the 49ers victory against the Ravens will be whether or not the 49ers tight ends can be effective as pass catchers. This will mean the tackles will be asked to handle their business solo on many of the passing downs.

Keeping Smith off the turf is of utmost importance to the 49ers chances for a win. It will be a fun matchup to follow all game long.

Vernon Davis

Vernon Davis is arguably the best all-around tight end in the NFL. He doesn't have the numbers of Gronkowski, but he hasn't been the focal point in the 49ers passing game most of the season. For much of the early part of the year, the coaches were using him as an extra blocker. 

As the 49ers offensive line has learned to play together, Davis' role has begun to evolve. Lately, he is starting to look like I envisioned he would. Alex Smith has always had a good connection with Davis, and the chemistry is growing with each passing week.

Davis will need to keep the momentum going in a positive direction against the Baltimore Ravens. If he can occupy the attentions of Ed Reed in the middle of the field, then the sidelines will open up for Michael Crabtree, who has been on a tear.

Frank Gore

Frank Gore must outplay Ray Rice if the 49ers are to win against the Ravens. Ray Lewis may or may not play this Thanksgiving, but the Ravens defense is always tough to run on.

The 49ers need Gore to return to the form of a few weeks ago, when he ran for 100-plus in five straight games.

One of the question marks for this game, though, is whether or not fullback Bruce Miller will be available. He has been a catalyst for the 49ers resurgent running game. 

One of the things I'd like to see from Gore is some more catches out of the backfield. It has been an off year for him in this category, and he has dropped some passes he'd normally snag. 

Alex Smith

Alex Smith needs to have a very short memory of his disappointing performance against the Cardinals. He faces his biggest test of the season against the savvy, veteran and very dangerous Baltimore Ravens defense.

Many people are calling for the 49ers to go back to a conservative approach this week against the Ravens. I, for one, think that the team will continue to assert themselves in the passing game. Head coach Jim Harbaugh is committed to instilling confidence into his star pupil. As the season progresses, so also does Smith's responsibilities.

He will need to be extra sharp against an Ed Reed-led secondary. 

Justin Smith

Incredibly, Justin Smith remains unknown by many people outside of the San Francisco Bay area. He is the best 3-4 defensive end in the NFL. He is always lingering at the top of the list for quarterback hurries, and he is equally effective against the running game.

Smith is as strong as an ox, and his presence in the 49ers defense is like the cornerstone you want to build your house upon. 

He needs to continue his All-Pro play this week on short rest against the Baltimore Ravens. I look for him to come away from this contest with at least one sack.