AFC Central

Sporting News, The, Dec 6, 1999

Teams are listed alpabetically

How do you beat the Jags? Spread 'em out

With the league's best record and No. 1 defense, the Jaguars may appear unbeatable as the playoffs approach. But the Saints (yes, the Saints) may have come upon a way to expose the Jaguars' defense a week ago.

The basis of it: Spread it out.

The Saints lost, 41-23, in Jacksonville, but the game was tied at 17 at the half largely because of the success of their spread offense. Using a one-back, three-receiver set, New Orleans was able to roll up 225 total yards in the first half, with Billy Joe Tolliver completing 10-of-14 passes for 159 yards and Ricky Williams getting 79 yards on 10 carries, most of it out of a one-back set.

When Tolliver went down with torn knee ligaments in the third quarter, the Saints' offense went down, too. But by keeping the Jaguars off balance, the Saints may have found a key to beating Jacksonville: The spread offense forces Jacksonville to play in its nickel package, which can limit some of the blitzes up front. That, in turn, makes it easier on an offense to prepare for coordinator Dom Capers' complicated zone-blitz system

"There's some merit to be said about keeping the nickel people on the field to slow down some of their blitzes," says Ravens coach Brian Billick, who used a three-receiver set with success in Sunday's 30-23 loss.

In the nickel, the Jaguars take middle linebacker Lonnie Marts off the field, bring m safety Blaine McElmurry and move safety Carnell Lake inside on the slot receiver. Some teams may want to take it a step further by forcing them into more dime packages and playing up-tempo.

The teams that have hurt the Jaguars the most in recent years are ones that throw the ball well-Denver with John Elway, Minnesota with Randall Cunningham, the Jets with Vinny Testaverde. Those guys are gone, but the role still applies.

--Pete Prisco

Baltimore

4-7: 4th

Don't expect team to trade for Vikings offensive players

Despite the rumors, don't expect the team to trade for Vikings QB Randall Cunningham or WR Jake Reed unless they come at bargain prices during the offseason. At this point, coach Brian Billick believes present starter Tony Banks and backup Stoney Case can lead his offense as well as Cunningham. Reed used to be a top-notch receiver, but he has dropped to the second level. Owner Art Modell also has not been impressed with several former Vikings on the Ravens roster. The only way Cunningham or Reed would come to Baltimore would be for late-round picks or as free agents if they are let go by the Vikings.... One of the team's most unheralded players has been reserve DT/DE Fernando Smith. He has the quickness to play outside and the strength to play inside, even in goal-line situations. Recently against the Bengals, he had two tackles in a goal-line stand that eventually turned the game for the Ravens.... The team likely will limit the playing time for OLB Peter Boulware. He has played the entire season with a partially dislocated shoulder, and he has experienced more soreness lately. He probably will be used only in pass-rash situations from now on and will undergo surgery after the season.

SCOUTING REPORT: There is nothing pretty about the way RG Jeff Blackshear plays. He is a mauler, a player who appreciates his job and loves the game. At 6-6, 323, Blackshear's strength is run-blocking straight ahead. He is usually one of the team's leaders in pancake blocks every season. Blackshear also is the team's iron man, having started in 51 straight games. He seldom misses a practice with an injury and is considered a team leader. Blackshear, though, is limited. He is not a great athlete and looks awkward pulling and getting out on screen passes. He is an average pass blocker but, like most offensive linemen, can handle an opponent if the offense is balanced. Play-action passes make him a better pass blocker.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The team has used its first-round picks the last two years to draft CBs Chris McAlister and Duane Starks, mainly to counter Jacksonville WRs Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell. But last Sunday, the defensive game plan had the team's comers playing in a soft zone instead of pressing Smith and McCardell at the line of scrimmage. As a result, the Jaguars' receivers drifted behind the linebackers and in front of the safeties for big gains over the middle. It was a strategy that eventually led to the loss.

--Mike Preston

GRADING OUT vs. Jacksonville

OFFENSE C

Showing steady improvement but couldn't overcome turnovers.

DEFENSE D

The front seven played well, but coaches need to turn the secondary loose.

SPECIAL TEAMS B

Outstanding job by cover and return units. Stover, Richardson top weapons.

COACHING C

Now, it's time for Billick to take a look at the sliding defense.

RAVENS

PASSING   Att.   Comp.   Pct.   Yds.   Long

Case       153      69   45.1    900    54t
Banks      168      86   51.2    888     73

PASSING   TD   Int.   Rate   Sacks

Case       3      6   54.4      13
Banks      6      3   71.2      19

RUSHING     Att.   Yds.   Avg.   TD

Rhett        207    774    3.7    5
Case          31    141    4.5    3
Evans         26    104    4.0    0

RECEIVING    No.   Yds.   Avg.   TD

Ismail        40    517   12.9    2
Armour        28    438   15.6    2
Evans         23    181    7.9    1

SCORING   XPM   XPA   FGM   FGA   Pts.

Stover     18    18    18    23     72

PUNTING        No.   Yds.   Avg.   Blk.

Richardson      74   3176   42.9     1

KO RETURNS     No.   Yds.   Avg.    TD

Harris          29    691   23.8     0

PUNT RETURNS   No.   Yds.   Avg.    TD

J. Lewis        40    302   7.6      0