When these teams last played each other, on Dec. 11, 2011, Jim Caldwell was the Indianapolis Colts’ head coach, Chuck Pagano was the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive coordinator and Bruce Arians was the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive coordinator, already mulling being swept for the season by Baltimore. Now? The Colts are Chuckstrong, led by Pagano as head coach and Arians as offensive coordinator, while Caldwell is the Ravens’ offensive coordinator. The point? These teams know each other. And Baltimore loved its Colts. But not since 1984. Finally, this could be the Ravens’ final game with veteran Ray Lewis on the roster; on Wednesday, the future Hall of Famer announced that he will retire after this season.
Player To watch–Andrew Luck QB,Colts
Luck has committed 17 turnovers (and notched 13 touchdowns) in eight road games this season. He’ll have to clean that up and beware of Ravens safety Ed Reed, in particular. Asked to do a lot in Arians’ offense this season, Luck responded, throwing for a rookie-record 4,374 yards despite taking 41 sacks. Luck will be playing on his biggest stage thus far, and the Colts should benefit from his ability to be clutch; he has seven game-winning drives in the fourth quarter and overtime.
Who’s Under pressure?–Joe Flacco QB, Ravens
If Flacco can channel the quarterback who dismantled the New York Giants in Week 16, he’ll have success against any defense, including the Colts’ unit. A question: In the final year of his rookie contract, does Flacco feel the heat as he seeks a long-term deal? Furthermore, will he feel the heat from pass rushers Robert Mathis (eight sacks) and Dwight Freeney (five)?
Matchup to watch?–Ray Rice vs The Colts rushng defense
The Colts allowed three 100-yard rushers in their past six games (and the Houston Texans’ Arian Foster was almost a fourth, putting up 96 yards in Week 17). If Rice finds openings against the league’s 29th-ranked rushing defense, he can carry the Ravens and make Flacco’s job easier.
(source–Kimberly Jones NFL.com and NFL Network)
