Ravens RB Kenneth Dixon will have his chance to shine

Baltimore Ravens running back Kenneth Dixon had a few opportunities to make his mark against the New York Giants; The most glaring coming on a wheel route where he found himself wide open. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco overthrew the pass and the route combination was badly executed as tight end Dennis Pitta was also in the area but the usage of Dixon in that manner shows the Ravens have a good idea of how to utilize him to the best of his abilities.

The New York Jets linebackers present the right matchup to have Dixon put on a show. Jets rookie linebacker Darron Lee is out for this game with an ankle injury, but if he was playing, he would show his athletic but raw in understanding of leverage in coverage. Lee is more of an athlete than a football player.

Jets linebacker David Harris on the other hand, is the classic thumping 3-4 inside linebacker who struggles in space. Harris looks like he may play this week as he is recovering from a hamstring injury that has caused him to miss some time. Having hamstring issues against a running back like Dixon won’t help the Jets.

If Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. is again unable to play, the Ravens will have to use its tight ends and running backs to work the middle of the field and in the flats. Dixon could be split into the slot and attack linebackers who will - as part of the Jets scheme - be playing a lot of man-to-man.

Ravens’ fans have been waiting for Dixon’s breakout game. It might not come in the ground game, but Dixon could be primed to make a lot of noise through the air.