Ravens run offense vs. Chargers run defense
Jamal Lewis has yet to rush for 90 yards in a game this season despite playing against weak run defenses the past two weeks (Oakland and Cleveland). The biggest concern is Lewis' inability to break tackles. Unlike previous seasons, he is being brought down by smaller cornerbacks and safeties after getting through the line. Stopping the run remains the backbone of a physical San Diego defense. The anchor is 348-pound nose tackle Jamal Williams, who uses strength and quickness to control the inside. Inside linebackers Donnie Edwards and Randall Godfrey are two of the Chargers' top three tacklers.
Edge: Chargers
Ravens pass offense vs. Chargers pass defense
The Chargers have the NFL's top-ranked pass defense, but they will be without strong safety Terrence Kiel, who was arrested on Tuesday on felony drug charges and won't play today. Kiel will be replaced by Clinton Hart, a career backup who has started 14 games since his 2003 rookie year. If San Diego continues to be aggressive in its pass rush, the Ravens have to make the defense pay with big plays. Quarterback Steve McNair has struggled with his efficiency, completing 53 percent of his passes (39-for-74) the past two games. The game's best matchup is left tackle Jonathan Ogden against Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman (three sacks).
Edge: Even
Chargers run offense vs. Ravens run defense
This is where the game will be won or lost. The Chargers have run the ball 64 percent of the time (85 runs out of 132 plays). LaDainian Tomlinson, the heart of the offense, has 202 yards rushing and three touchdowns in two games. If the Ravens can slow Tomlinson, they will force inexperienced starter Philip Rivers to beat them. With Ray Lewis in the starting lineup, the Ravens haven't allowed 100 yards to a running back in nine home games. It'll be interesting to see how elusive Tomlinson can be against athletic linebackers like Lewis, Bart Scott and Adalius Thomas. Fullback Lorenzo Neal will be targeting Lewis.
Edge: Even
Chargers pass offense vs. Ravens pass defense
Rivers, a first-year starting quarterback, has completed 71.7 percent of his throws, which is second best in the NFL. One reason for the accuracy: He hasn't been sacked in 46 pass attempts. But Rivers has yet to face a high-pressure defense like the Ravens', which is tied for most sacks in the NFL with 16. The Ravens have a history of rattling young quarterbacks. The one concern for the Ravens is defensive end Terrell Suggs (hamstring), who is a game-time decision. Tight end Antonio Gates could have a difficult time getting open against Thomas, who can match Gates' athleticism. Receiver Keenan McCardell (hamstring) is questionable.
