If Josh Allen plans to lead the Buffalo Bills past the Baltimore Ravens in tonight’s Divisional Round showdown, he’ll need to have eyes on No. 53 at all times. That’s the jersey number of Kyle Van Noy, Baltimore’s sack leader and one of the most quietly dominant forces on their defense this season.
Van Noy racked up an impressive 12.5 sacks in 2024, thriving under defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s aggressive scheme. Known for his versatility and football IQ, Van Noy has been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks all year. And with a postseason trip to Kansas City on the line, you can bet he’s dialed in for this game.
Zach Orr’s strategy is simple but brutally effective: swarm the quarterback. With Nnamdi Madubuike causing havoc on the interior and Odafe Oweh bringing pressure off the edge, the Ravens force quarterbacks to operate under duress. That swarm mentality will be key against Josh Allen, who thrives on extending plays and making magic outside the pocket.
While Buffalo’s offensive line looked solid in last week’s Wild Card victory over Denver, Allen still found himself sacked twice. Against Baltimore’s more experienced and dynamic defense, that kind of pressure could be amplified.
Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith shed some light on the team’s game plan during a recent NFL Network interview:
“We want to stop the run first and make them one-dimensional.”
If the Ravens succeed in shutting down the Bills’ ground game early, they’ll force Allen to carry the offense through the air—playing directly into Van Noy and Orr’s hands. That’s when Baltimore’s pass rushers can really pin their ears back and attack.
Of course, Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady isn’t coming into this matchup unprepared. Expect to see plenty of quick passes, screens, and misdirection plays designed to neutralize Baltimore’s pressure. Brady knows that if the offensive line can’t hold up against Van Noy and company, it could be a long night for Buffalo’s offense.
This matchup won’t just be about raw athleticism—it’ll be about smarts. Van Noy is one of the league’s most disciplined and cerebral defenders, and his ability to diagnose plays quickly could make all the difference.
Allen, meanwhile, will have to play with precision and avoid the kind of risky throws that Van Noy and the Ravens are so good at capitalizing on.
In a game full of stars, the battle between Josh Allen and Baltimore’s defense could decide who moves on and who goes home. If Van Noy and the Ravens’ front seven can dominate the trenches, they’ll not only disrupt Allen’s rhythm but potentially force the turnovers that swing playoff games.
Buckle up, Ravens fans—it’s going to be a hard-hitting chess match out there. Let’s see if Baltimore’s defense can rise to the occasion once again.
Let’s go, Ravens!