Ravens Insider: Fullback key to Giants' running game - The inside scoop and analysis on the team from The Baltimore Sun's Ravens columnist and Ravens beat writer.

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Fullback key to Giants' running game

Ravens inside linebacker Bart Scott says one of the major keys to stopping the Giants' running game is to stop fullback Madison Hedgecock in the hole. That sounds like an easy task, but it isn't especially since Hedgecock weighs 266 pounds.

That should be one hell of a collision when Scott or fellow inside linebacker Ray Lewis take on Hedgecock. Another key is not allowing 264-pound running back Brandon Jacobs to square his pads at the line of scrimmage.

A lot of teams, even with big backs, have them run to the perimeter, and sometimes they never get going downhill. The Giants like to run Jacobs to the corner, too, but they also like to just run dives or burst up the middle where he runs behind Hedgecock. It's a power combination much like when Lorenzo Neal was the fullback in Tennessee lead blocking for Eddie George. George, though, never weighed over 260 pounds.

Posted by Mike Preston on November 13, 2008 10:45 AM | Permalink

Comments

Hey Mike.

I think the real collision is going to be between wither Hedgecock or Jacobs and Haloti Ngata. The guy has been dominating people at the line of scrimmage all year. If he can stay in his gaps and not over-pursue, Scott and R-Lew should be free to kill whoever comes through the hole. I can't wait for this game...it's definitely going to be a throwback.

Posted by: Ryan | November 13, 2008 12:03 PM

I'm looking forward to these terrific matchups- on both sides of the ball for both teams. Should be interesting to see how Flacco responds to a good D and how the Raven D holds up against that Giant offense. Woo hoo!

Posted by: BHSTER | November 13, 2008 12:45 PM

I totally agree with Ryan about this game being a throwback. I'm just ecstatic that I don't have to go to a bar here in Columbus to see the game. We got the 1pm time slot!!
Go Purple!!

Posted by: Andrew in Ohio | November 13, 2008 4:12 PM

It seems like the onus is on N.Y. in this game. The Raven's offense is free to score points the best way they can, whether it be running the ball or throwing it. The giants can do the same, but they have everyone who follows football eager to see if they can gain 100yds. against this defense. Look out Eli

Posted by: Bob | November 13, 2008 4:55 PM

Either we've started drinking the coolaid or by end of game its a wake up call for the NFL's taking heads. I thinks it wake up time. And I am really tired of hearing about the spectacular Matt Ryan.

Posted by: Joe Kluskey | November 13, 2008 5:04 PM

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About the bloggers

Mike Preston has been with The Baltimore Sun since 1983. Prior to becoming a columnist in 2000, he covered the Ravens for four years. Preston will appear every Monday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Fox Sports Radio (1370-AM) to answer any questions about the Ravens. Preston is a native of Essex and a graduate of Towson State University, where he played football. E-mail Mike.

Jamison Hensley has been The Baltimore Sun’s Ravens beat reporter since the 2000 Super Bowl season. He is a regular contributor to WBAL radio and ESPN2’s First Take. Hensley is a Baltimore City native and a graduate of the University of Maryland.