How the Ravens Plan to Turn Buffalo’s Freezing Weather Into a Playoff Advantage

The Baltimore Ravens are poised to face the Buffalo Bills this Sunday, and it seems the frigid Buffalo weather might just play into their hands. As the Ravens gear up for the AFC Divisional round, there’s a palpable buzz around how the cold could turn into their ally, especially when it comes to their formidable rushing attack.

Ravens’ Roster Built for the Cold

Historically, teams dread playing in severe cold, but for the Ravens, the chill in the air might just be what they need to edge out the Bills. Lamar Jackson, with his impressive track record in sub-freezing games, shines as a beacon of resilience against the cold. With a passer rating of 110.69 in such conditions—significantly higher than his career average—Jackson’s performance speaks volumes about his adaptability. The quarterback himself, despite his South Florida roots, has brushed off the cold, focusing instead on victory. “I’m trying to win, so it really doesn’t matter,” Jackson stated, dismissing the cold as a mere inconvenience.

Jackson’s demeanor towards the cold, highlighted by his comically large jacket, which has become almost as famous as his agile maneuvers, underscores his readiness. He quipped about needing only a “bigger jacket” to combat Sunday’s expected conditions, humorously noting his failed experiment with gloves during practice.

Physicality in the Cold: A Ravens’ Strategy

It’s not just Jackson who’s accustomed to the cold. The Ravens boast a roster replete with players seasoned in harsh weather. From Tavius Robinson and Brent Urban, who grew up in Canada, to Isaiah Likely, who remarked that he’s been “playing in the cold since he was a baby,” the team is not short on cold-weather warriors. Other players, like Rashod Bateman and Daniel Faalele, have their collegiate roots in Minnesota, further proving that cold weather is nothing new to a significant portion of the team.

This depth of experience in colder climes gives the Ravens a unique advantage, particularly against a Bills team that, while seasoned in their own right, might find the Ravens’ robust cold-weather performance a tough nut to crack.

The weather forecast for Sunday predicts biting cold with light winds and potential snow flurries, a typical scenario at Buffalo this time of year. In such weather, every tackle becomes a test of endurance, making the Ravens’ ground game crucial. Derrick Henry, known for his formidable presence on the field, could be the linchpin in Baltimore’s strategy. His ability to break tackles and his resilience against the biting cold could wear down the Bills’ defense as the game progresses.

In Week 4, the Bills struggled to contain Henry, and with the mercury dipping even lower, the physicality of the game is expected to intensify. The Ravens plan to exploit this by maintaining possession and wearing out the Bills’ lighter defense personnel over the course of the game. This strategy not only plays to the Ravens’ strengths but also aligns perfectly with the expected weather conditions, potentially tipping the scales in their favor.