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Standing at 6-6, 248 pounds, Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman presents a challenge similar to another big-bodied quarterback that the Ravens are kinda familiar with.
Like Ben Roethlisberger, Freeman does a good job of shedding tackles and extending plays, and he's been able to turn a few near sacks into big gains for Tampa Bay this season.
As a result, the Ravens will have to put extra focus on making sure they wrap up and bring Freeman to the ground. They'll have to do so, of course, without getting flagged for being too physical with the Bucs' second-year quarterback.
"That's the whole challenge right now. There's kind of the balancing act between the rules and basically tackling him hard enough to get him down," head coach John Harbaugh said. "These guys are big men, and we'll have to make sure we do that."
Despite his size, Freeman is a pretty athletic kid, and he's done well making plays outside the pocket this season.
The Ravens have had some issues in the past with mobile quarterbacks, and while Freeman isn't Michael Vick-mobile, his ability to roll out of the pocket and make things happen could be a factor on Sunday.
"He's good. I think he's a playmaker," Harbaugh said. "He's done a great job with his legs, both scrambling for first downs and for getting out of the pocket and keeping his eyes downfield. So, he's done both."
The Ravens are also wary of Freeman's arm while he's on the move, which Harbaugh says is impressive.
"There are certain guys in this league that are uncanny - Ben Roethlisberger and guys like that," Harbaugh said. "But Josh, he's thrown pretty accurately on the run. I'd say he'd still have to prove himself to be in that category [of Roethlisberger]. But I think it's a concern for us, and we have to make sure when he scrambles that we do a good job, A, of tackling him, and, B, of covering the receivers downfield."
