The Baltimore Ravens will battle the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football, eight days removed from the heartbreaking loss to the rival Steelers.
Controversy and criticism has hit this team in the past week after losing to Pittsburgh. Questions about Flacco and the offensive play-calling of Cam Cameron was the talk of the Ravens this week.
With a second consecutive game on prime time against a beatable Texans team, do the Ravens avoid the hangover?
Here are my 10 keys to the game for Ravens v. Texans.
I am a Ravens and NFL Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com.
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Joe Flacco, Ravens Offense Must Get Off To a Fast Start
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This is a constant theme when it comes to the Ravens offense.
Whenever the unit has scored a touchdown on their first possession, the offense ends up being more effective throughout the entire game.
This week they are facing one of the worst defenses in the Texans, who are known to give up a ton of yards through the air.
Look for Cam Cameron to get the passing game going early against the Texans this secondary, with TJ Houshmandzadeh being involved early in games.
Continue To Get Donte' Stallworth Involved
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Donte' Stallworth is slowly getting opportunities in the Ravens' offense, and it has been positive thus far.
In last week's loss to the Steelers, Stallworth was given the opportunity to be a threat down the field for Flacco, who hooked up with Donte' quite a few times.
With an inexperienced Texans secondary next on the agenda for the Ravens' offense, look for Stallworth to earn more opportunities by stretching the field for Joe Flacco.
Will We See Any 4 Receiver Sets from the Ravens Offense?
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I believe it is time for Cam Cameron to have more four wide receiver sets within the offense.
The running game hasn't been as solid in years past, and Houston is good at defending the run.
Baltimore contains a group of veteran receivers that can stretch the field and cause young corner backs to make mistakes down the field.
With the amount of weapons that can be on the field at once for the Ravens, it is time for Cam Cameron to use them effectively throughout different phases of the offense.
Ed Dickson, Dennis Pitta Continue To Improve with Todd Heap Out
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Ravens head coach John Harbaugh ruled Todd Heap out of this week's game after sustaining a hamstring injury in the Steelers game.
Last week, rookie tight ends Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta had quite a role in the Ravens' offense.
With both tight ends getting extra reps in practice, watch for Joe Flacco to continue looking for these young tight ends.
The Texans will attempt to put as much coverage as possible on the veteran receivers, allowing Dickson and Pitta to be able to move the chains for potential first downs.
The Offensive Line Needs To Be More Consistent
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The Baltimore Ravens' offensive line has been the most inconsistent unit on this Ravens team.
Early in the season, the offensive line shut down defenses such as the Jets and the Steelers.
However, over the last six games the offensive line has been more vulnerable to blitzes, especially giving up four sacks in last week's loss.
With a defensive front of the Texans led by Mario Williams, it is going to be crucial for Michael Oher and company to give Joe Flacco to find the receivers open down the field against a weak secondary like Houston.
Can Terrell Suggs Continue His Success Against the Texans?
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Terrell Suggs is playing his best football of the season right now.
Last week's dominating performance against Pittsburgh was only the continuation of his success over the past month.
Now, can " T-Sizzle" continue his success against the Texans' offensive line? In recent weeks, the Ravens' defensive front has gotten pressure on opposing quarterbacks, with Terrell Suggs leading the way.
Suggs should expect some double teams, but even then it should allow his teammates to find open holes and help cause a few mistakes from Matt Schaub.
Ray Lewis and Ravens' Defense Need To Contain Arian Foster
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In the past month, the Baltimore Ravens' defense has returned to the dominant unit of old.
Despite losing last week against the Steelers, Ray Lewis and company held Pittsburgh to under 300 yards of offense.
In order to stop the dynamic Texans' offense, Baltimore first must take Arian Foster out of the Houston game plan.
The last few weeks have been an improvement of the Ravens' run defense, who got off to a slow start early on in the season.
Haloti Ngata and Ray Lewis should continue to lead the way in containing Foster. The key will be to avoid the big runs early, which has been an issue for the Ravens' defense at times.
However, I expect Foster to finish with under 100 yards rushing, forcing the Texans to pass all night if they hope to come out with the victory.
Ed Reed and Ravens Secondary Must Zone In On Andre Johnson
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The biggest challenge for the Ravens on Monday night will be containing receiver Andre Johnson.
Johnson has continued to put up impressive numbers in 2010, and will create match up problems for the Baltimore secondary.
Last month Roddy White put up impressive numbers against the Ravens' corner backs. Can these problems be avoided on Monday night?
My key is for the Ravens to avoid giving up the deep ball to Johnson, and allowing yards after catch. It will be difficult to take a receiver like Johnson out of the game, but containing him in every way possible will be key.
Ravens' Defense Must Force Turnovers Come Monday Night
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Since Ed Reed's return, the Ravens' defense has been at it's best when creating turnovers.
However, none were created in last week's loss against Pittsburgh.
I expect that to change this week against Houston.
The Texans' offense is not afraid of taking chances down the field, but with Ed Reed watching the secondary, a few interceptions are bound to happen.
Billy Cundiff Will Continue His Success of Touchbacks In the Regular Season
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Ravens' kicker Billy Cundiff has been the biggest surprise for the Ravens in 2010.
After winning the starting job in training camp this season, Cundiff is on pace to break the record for most touch backs in a single regular season.
Cundiff has done a good job of pinning opposing offenses in their own territory, giving the Ravens a comfortable 80 yards to work with.
With the temperatures expected to be decent in Houston, don't be surprised to see Cundiff add a few more touch backs on Monday Night.
By Matt Miselis
