49ers vs Ravens: Why Baltimore's Defense Will Terrorize Alex Smith

Despite being 9-1 and having won four solid road games over Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Detroit and Washington, the 49ers have used the passing game sparingly this season.

And rightfully so, because they rank No. 6 in rush offense by averaging over 130 yards per game. That being said, the Baltimore Ravens will gameplan to shut down RB Frank Gore and force QB Alex Smith into many passing situations.

On the year Smith has only thrown four INTs. However, he only has tossed 13 TDs since he's been limited thanks to such an effective rushing attack. Against the Ravens, though, Smith has to be productive if San Francisco wants any shot at winning.

Baltimore will stack the box and force Smith to throw. The reason is not only to shut down Frisco's ground game, but also to get Smith under much duress. Currently, Baltimore ranks No. 7 against the pass and No. 5 against the rush, so Frisco must gameplan wisely.

Unfortunately for the 'Niners however, Alex Smith will be terrorized all game.

Not only will the Ravens be able to stop the run and force him to throw much more than San Fran wants him to, but whenever he drops back he will see blitzes from all over. This season the 49ers have played some good defenses, but none are a complete defense like the Ravens.

Perhaps the best example is Dallas, who has stud pass-rusher DeMarcus Ware. Sure, he's better than anyone on the Ravens, but that's all the Cowboys have. The Ravens not only have a sick pass rush, but great cover corners and safety Ed Reed patrolling the secondary.

On the year Baltimore has recorded 29 sacks and allows just 304 total yards per game. They have also picked off 11 passes, forced 15 fumbles (recovering 10) and have scored three TDs.

Additionally, the 49ers WRs haven't been completely healthy all year and even when healthy, the production has been minimal.

No target has more than 500 receiving yards, and although TE Vernon Davis has five TDs, being that Smith targets him in the red-zone he will be blanketed.

In this game Smith will see numerous blitzes from across the line of scrimmage and multiple coverage looks varying from zone to man, as well as a combination of the two. Also, don't be surprised if a DE drops into coverage and a corner or nickel/dime back come in on a blitz as well.

San Fran lacks the ability to stretch the field, so shielding the intermediate routes with a blanket of varying defenders across the middle will force much confusion and Smith to hold onto the rock longer.

So in hindsight, many sacks and a few turnovers to say the least, for the Ravens.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27