NEWS ALERT: Raven’s Roquan Smith discusses key strategies for stopping Bills in Divisional Round…

The Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills emerged as two of the most dominant teams in the NFL during Wild Card Weekend, each securing comfortable victories to set up an exciting matchup for the Divisional Round. Both teams demonstrated why they are considered serious contenders for the Super Bowl, but the Ravens face a daunting challenge ahead as they travel to Buffalo for their upcoming game.

Buffalo’s home field has been a tough place for opposing teams this season, and the Bills’ offense, led by quarterback Josh Allen, has been nearly unstoppable. The Ravens’ defense will need to find a way to neutralize the high-powered Buffalo offense if they are to keep their Super Bowl aspirations alive. One player who knows what it will take to slow down the Bills is Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith, who shared his insights during an appearance on The Insiders.

Smith acknowledged the strength of the Bills, highlighting Allen as a key figure in the offense, but also pointed out the formidable offensive line and talented running back James Cook, whom Smith has known for years. Smith emphasized the need for the Ravens’ defense to stay true to their strengths. “We just have to stick to who we are as a group, stopping the run and making those guys one-dimensional,” he said. “Once you do that, it can create a long day for those guys.”

For the Ravens, limiting the Bills’ ground game will be crucial. If they can force Buffalo to rely on Allen’s arm rather than their diverse offensive weapons, they could have a better chance of disrupting the flow of the game. This strategy was laid out by Smith as the key to the Ravens’ success. The last time these two teams met, back in Week 4, Baltimore triumphed with a convincing 35-10 victory. While both teams have evolved significantly since then, the Ravens can draw confidence from that dominant performance.

However, the Bills’ offense has been difficult to contain, as shown by their recent performance in a 31-7 victory over the Denver Broncos during Wild Card Weekend. In that game, the Bills used a well-balanced attack, mixing an effective running game with Allen’s big-play ability in critical situations. The Bills’ offense was able to control the clock and prevent the Broncos’ offense, which includes some explosive playmakers, from getting into any rhythm.

For the Ravens, a similar fate would be disastrous. If the Bills are able to establish a ground game and sustain long drives, they can keep Lamar Jackson and the high-powered Baltimore offense off the field. In that case, the Ravens’ defense will face a real test of its ability to make stops in key situations and prevent Allen from taking over the game. The best hope for Baltimore is to force Allen into situations where he has to win the game through the air, which is where the Ravens’ secondary, including playmakers like Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey, can step up.

The Ravens have had some success in slowing down Allen’s offense in previous meetings, but as both teams continue to evolve, this upcoming clash will present a new set of challenges. Buffalo has made adjustments to its offensive line and running back rotation, while Baltimore has fine-tuned its defensive schemes under coordinator Mike Macdonald. The Ravens will need to be disciplined and execute their game plan to perfection if they hope to stifle the Bills’ offensive attack.

Beyond just Allen and the offense, the Ravens must contend with the broader environment of playing at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo. The Bills’ fan base is notoriously passionate, and the weather conditions in Buffalo can often be challenging, especially in January. The Ravens will need to be mentally prepared for the hostile environment and potentially adverse weather, as both factors could play a role in the game.

In addition to focusing on the run defense, the Ravens will also need to ensure they are prepared to handle the various playmakers the Bills have on the perimeter. Buffalo’s receiving corps, including Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, provides Allen with a number of reliable weapons. The Ravens will need to focus on limiting explosive plays, especially deep passes, and make sure they are in position to tackle well after the catch. Given the Bills’ ability to strike quickly, one mistake could lead to a game-changing play.

As for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense, they will be facing a Buffalo defense that is capable but also vulnerable in certain areas. While the Bills have playmakers like Tre’Davious White in the secondary and Ed Oliver on the defensive line, they have also shown weaknesses throughout the season. If Jackson can exploit those weaknesses, especially with his ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground, the Ravens could put up a lot of points. The key for Baltimore will be to stay balanced and avoid becoming one-dimensional, which could make it easier for the Bills to focus on stopping Jackson.

Overall, the matchup between the Ravens and Bills promises to be one of the most intriguing of the Divisional Round. With both teams boasting potent offenses and dynamic quarterbacks, the game will likely be decided by which defense can step up and impose its will. For the Ravens, stopping the run, limiting big plays, and forcing Allen to beat them with his arm are crucial elements of their strategy. If they can execute this game plan effectively, they will have a shot at advancing to the AFC Championship. The Bills, however, will not be an easy opponent, and they will be looking to avenge their earlier loss to Baltimore. Fans can expect a high-stakes, high-intensity battle that will likely have major implications for the rest of the playoffs.