Offensive tackles stopping the pass rush key for week 2

To say the Ravens offensive tackles had a bad week is a huge understatement. With two pro bowl caliber outside linebackers coming after Flacco last week, Wagner and Hurst put up little resistance and Flacco was harried all day. While there is plenty of blame to go around, why Trestman would try to stop Ware and Miller 1 on 1 is beyond me. Where was a slanted blocking scheme, backs and tight ends chipping, and double teams, not to mention screen passes and playaction bootlegs to slow down the pass rush and make them hesitate.

The hope is that Trestman will learn from his mistake, as the Raiders strongest unit is their pass rush led by 2nd year linebacker Khalil Mack and troubled former niner Aldon Smith. One of the stronger pass rush tandems is complemented by veteran Justin Tuck, Malcolm Smith, Dan Williams, Curtis Lofton, and rookie Mario Edwards Jr.  Coach Jack Del Rio has a defensive background, so you know these players are going to be well coached.

This means that the tackles must have a bounce back week. Rick Wagner, in his first regular season game back from his injury late last season needs to show last season was not a fluke. If Eugene Monroe cannot go, then James Hurst will also be key. The Ravens were able to provide him help in his starts last year, and they will need to do the same in week 2 if they hope to be successful. Hopefully Monroe can go, and show us he is worth all the money we are paying him.

The Raiders have a big weakness in the secondary, and especially with both safeties out or banged up, that is the unit Flacco will need to take advantage of. It all starts with the offensive line, so Wagner and Hurst or Monroe better bring their A game!