As the next Baltimore Ravens game approaches and the pundits dig into the details, you'll hear a lot about the Buffalo Bills, and you should. Even if you aren't a fan, you have to appreciate what they are doing, especially on offense. The Baltimore Ravens have struggled to maintain offensive consistency in consecutive losses to Cleveland and Cincinnati, but Sunday's matchup against Buffalo offers several chances for Declan Doyle's unit to regain momentum.
The Bills enter Week 8 allowing 386.8 total yards and 285.8 passing yards per game, creating a favorable statistical matchup for a Baltimore offense that could welcome Lamar Jackson back from an ankle injury. With Zay Flowers coming off another productive performance and Derrick Henry looking
to regain his rhythm, the Ravens have several ways to challenge Buffalo's defense.
They're a machine, but believe it or not, the Ravens have enough offensive talent to make their lives difficult. Still, potential and production are different.
As Week 8 approaches, Baltimore needs to show its offense can dictate a game rather than let the opposition decide which playmakers get opportunities and which ones spend the afternoon watching from the margins. That distinction becomes especially important against a defense that has shown it can be vulnerable.
The Ravens don't necessarily need to reinvent their offensive identity, but they do need to use their personnel better and turn individual flashes into sustained production. When too much depends on a handful of players, even a talented offense becomes easier to contain.
Sunday gives Baltimore a chance to make a statement against a conference opponent. The Ravens have the pieces to challenge Buffalo, but they'll need a more complete offensive performance to turn that potential into an advantage. Here's the potential roadmap for a bounce-back from Declan Doyle's unit.
Don't become too Zay Flowers-dependent
This one may be a little easier said than done, but it isn't impossible. All season, we've seen flashes from so many of the Ravens' receivers. Now, they have to put it together. Sometimes, it seems Zay Flowers is the passing attack's only true weapon. If someone, anyone, steps up, that would help.
Throw the ball deep and draw a few flags.
The Bills like to tug jerseys now and again. Per the Football Database, they have drawn 12 defensive holding penalties through their first six games. Even with the Week 7 bye, that ranks at the top of the NFL. They have also been flagged for defensive pass interference six times.
In other words, it may behoove the Ravens to run some 'slant-and-go' or some double moves. By tossing a few downfield, they may get the Bills to give up a few gift first downs.
Attack Cole Bishop and Christian Benford through the air
When the Bills haven't been caught cheating by the referees, they've been victimized within the rules. Their defense enters Week 8 having given up a combined 1,715 yards, an average of 285.8 yards per game.
Only the Detroit Lions have been worse so far this season. So, where do the Ravens attack, you ask? Cole Bishop and Christian Benford are a nice place to start. Pro Football Focus gives Bishop a 47.5 coverage grade for the season. He has allowed 18 receptions on 24 targets for 179 yards and one receiving TD. He has also missed six tackles.
Benford's coverage grade is slightly better at 53.6. His stats are slightly worse. PFF says he has missed fewer tackles (three), but he has allowed 233 combined receiving yards and four touchdowns on 37 targets, with 23 receptions.
Attack the Bills' defensive interior with the running game
The Bills have allowed 3.8 yards per carry this season. That's actually pretty good. The Ravens average 4.7 yards per carry, and they may do damage if they keep the game close and stay patient.
Four of PFF's seven worst-graded run defenders on Buffalo's roster play along the defensive interior: Ed Oliver (32.5), Landon Jackson (40.8), Phodarin Mathis (51.6), and DeWayne Carter (53.0). Oliver has had some time to heal thanks to the bye week. We'll see if he's active, as he was limited during Wednesday's Bills practice with a shoulder injury. Keep an eye on Greg Gaines and Deone Walker. If Buffalo is stout against the run, they may be the reason why.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Bills: 4 ways Baltimore can attack Buffalo's defense
