
Sports Football

Ravens offensive line passes test vs. Patriots

If the Ravens' offensive line keeps progressing, this unit could be very good by the end of the season.

Overall, with the exception of center Matt Birk, the group is still young. But once you throw rookie offensive right tackle Kelechi Osemele and third-year left guard Ramon Harewood into the mix, the line has made steady progress.

In the Ravens' AFC championship game loss to New England last season, the Patriots dominated the Ravens' offensive line. But Sunday night, the Ravens overpowered New England while running the football.

The Ravens allowed some pressure on quarterback Joe Flacco, but not enough to affect the outcome of the game. Osemele, Marshal Yanda and Birk worked combination blocks well and they controlled Patriots nose guard Vince Wilfork.

Ravens left tackle Michael Oher did a nice job on Patriots rookie defensive end Chandler Jones, who was signed specifically to put pressure on quarterbacks. He wasn't much of a factor.

Overall, the Ravens had 503 yards of total offense against New England, including 382 passing yards. New England hasn't had a great defense in years, but the Patriots were expected to take advantage of the Ravens' young offensive line.

They didn't. New England didn't have a sack.

Copyright © 2014, Hartford Courant
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