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Oakland Raiders vs. Baltimore Ravens: 5 matchups to watch

By John Buhler

BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 2: Donald Penn No. 72 of the Oakland Raiders guards against Terrell Suggs No. 55 of the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 2: Donald Penn No. 72 of the Oakland Raiders guards against Terrell Suggs No. 55 of the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 31: EJ Manuel No. 3 of the Oakland Raiders looks to throw a pass against the Seattle Seahawks in the first quarter of their game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 31, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 31: EJ Manuel No. 3 of the Oakland Raiders looks to throw a pass against the Seattle Seahawks in the first quarter of their game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 31, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

EJ Manuel vs. Eric Weddle

Let’s be real. This is a matchup that heavily favors the Ravens. Eric Weddle is one of the best free safeties in all of football. One could argue that he is the best player on the Ravens team. He first made a name for himself in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers. His high play hasn’t changed since relocating to the Charm City.

Add in that Weddle is playing next to an excellent strong safety in Tony Jefferson and the Ravens might have the best safety tandem in the game today. Expect Weddle to make a few great reads to try to pick off an overthrown ball by new Raiders starting quarterback EJ Manuel.

Manuel has been thrust into the spotlight after the Carr injury. Though it obviously isn’t ideal, this is why the Raiders signed him in free agency. They know that he can run the offense how new offensive coordinator Todd Downing wants it.

Manuel did complete his first eight passes on Sunday. One could argue that he actually played better than Carr did against the Denver Broncos. Carr had no answer against the Broncos defense. Manuel did find passing lanes on Denver. Maybe he could do the same thing against Baltimore at home on Sunday?

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