MNF Preview

    The Baltimore Ravens travel to Jacksonville tonight to take on a Jaguars team getting acclimated to a rookie quarterback under center.
    The Ravens enter the game with a 4-1 record and are heavy favorites to move to 5-1. In their way is a 1-5 Jaguars team which has struggled passing the ball this season and has put their faith in their first-round pick out of Missouri, Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert has the potential to be a consistent performer in the NFL but needs the experience of playing week in and week out to get there.
    With Gabbert gaining a grip on the offense, the Jaguars have relied heavily on Maurice Jones-Drew to carry the load. Jones-Drew has been effective moving the chains this season, racking up 572 yards and two touchdowns. Jones-Drew brings the added ability of receiving to the table, which is crucial for a young quarterback to be able to dump the ball off to his running back when pressured.
    Gabbert will be facing one of the best defenses in the league, led by Ray Lewis. This game will be a test for Gabbert after facing the Steelers last week. Gabbert will see constant pressure and will have to go through his progressions quickly to know whether to stay in the pocket or try to scramble. The Ravens have typically been stronger defending the run versus the pass meaning that if the line gives Gabbert time to throw, he can find holes in the Ravens' coverage.
    On the opposite sideline, the Ravens are led by one of the fast-rising elite quarterbacks in Joe Flacco. The Ravens are becoming more of a balanced offensive team as Flacco has emerged. The threat of Ray Rice to run the ball for a first down is always present but defenses now have a consistent running back and quarterback to defend. Since Anquan Boldin arrived from Arizona, the Ravens passing game has only gotten stronger. The Ravens defense has been their calling card for the past few years but their offense is emerging as well.
    Expect the Jaguars to slightly conservative offensively with a rookie quarterback at the helm. The Ravens should be able to exploit the Jaguars defense for a few touchdowns and grab the road win and improve to 5-1. The Jaguars should keep the game close for much of the first half, but ultimately the Ravens defense will stifle Gabbert and force them to play to the Ravens' strengths.

Prediction: Ravens 24, Jaguars 10