Oakland Raiders vs. Baltimore Ravens: 5 Players to Watch

Justin Forsett

Sep 7, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) celebrates after scoring a 13-yard touchdown during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Raiders run defense was supposed to be greatly improved this offseason, but if Sunday’s performance is any indication of how the rest of the season will play out, then unfortunately we all took the bait.

Oakland surrendered the 8th most rushing yards week one, and were one of seven teams to allow two rushing scores. The front four failed to generate any kind of pressure behind the line of scrimmage, which allowed the Bengals offense to run or throw with ease all day long.

Given, Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard are both very talented backs, but even outside of that, the defensive line simply got pushed around.

The matchup on Sunday will be just as tough. Justin Forsett is perhaps the most under appreciated back in the NFL, and the Ravens have one of the better guard tandems in the league in Marshall Yanda and Kelechi Osemele.

Forsett is also a threat in the passing game, so it’ll be a tough challenge for the linebackers to keep tabs on him when he is out in space. If Ray Ray Armstrong is the one tasked to do it, they might as well have a hall of fame jacket ready for Forsett after the game.

If the defense can keep Forsett in check, they might be able to keep this one close. Baltimore’s passing attack is decent, but that’s how you want to make the Ravens beat you.

Next: Player to Watch #3: Aldon Smith