INSIDE SLANT

George Kokinis, the Ravens' assistant director of player personnel, sizes up the Saints:

Strength

Special teams. Ranked in the top 10 in punt and kickoff coverage, the Saints are fast and don't allow too much room. They're aggressive, going through blockers to get to the ball carrier. Ranked in the top five in both punt and kickoff returns, the Saints battle down the field for blocks to create something because they know they have a weapon behind them in returner Michael Lewis.

Key matchup

Ravens return man Lamont Brightful vs. Lewis. They're both undersized speed returners who can hit the big one. In a cold-weather game like this, field position will play a big part.

Play to watch

Far Left Slot Hound 795. The formation places the tight end on the left side of the line and splits two receivers wide right. The pass play hinges on slot receiver Joe Horn, who reads the coverage of the safeties. If the safeties split the field in halves, Horn goes deep and bends his route into the middle of the field. If three defenders move deep with one stationed in the middle, Horn keeps a more straight, vertical route between the safeties. The other options are the tight end running to the left corner and the far right receiver running a comeback route along the sideline.