Jamison Hensley, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Can Ravens get Saints offense off field?

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- This isn't exactly the best time for the Baltimore Ravens to face the best offense on third downs.

In their last three games -- which have primarily been played without cornerback Jimmy Smith -- the Ravens have allowed teams to convert 18 of 40 third downs. That 45 percent conversion rate is the seventh-worst in the NFL.

That's why Monday night's game at New Orleans is such a tough matchup for the Ravens. The Saints have converted a league-best 51.6 percent of their third downs and lead the NFL in fewest three-and-outs with 13.

The last three teams that have converted over 40 percent of their third downs have beaten the Ravens.

Why are the New Orleans Saints so good on third downs?

"Good scheme, good quarterback," said Ravens linebacker Elvis Dumervil, who is tied for second in the league with 10.5 sacks. "That's how you get off third down on offense. Like I said, [Drew Brees] is really good at pre-snap keys. We just have to make sure we do our job in the back end of disguising and making sure he doesn't see what he wants to see. And obviously up front, it's always on us to get to him. We have a great challenge with their offensive line and our defensive line that we feel good about. It'll be a great challenge.”

Defensive coordinator Dean Pees said it's hard to get a read on Brees because his eyes and feet are always moving.

"He's always moving around in the pocket," Pees said. "And so, that's also hard, because when you're trying to read the quarterback and he's moving around and his head is moving all the time ... [Brees] finds guys. There is a reason why they are [No. 3] in the league [in total and passing offense] and No. 1 on third down, and he's the reason."

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