Left Tackle is Crucial Against Bills

Ask a coach what is the most important position on the football field, and you are bound to receive an array of answers.

Quarterback is the obvious response, but many coaches will cite the significance of his blind-side protector, the left tackle. By no coincidence, they are among the highest paid players in the league, and no position has been drafted more frequently in the top-10 since 2001. Typically matched up on the opposition's best pass-rusher, left tackles are imperative to an offense's ability to function.

Terry has been solid in place of Ogden.

"If the blocks up front don't occur, you really can't throw the ball," said Ravens' left tackle Adam Terry. "If the quarterback is being pressured consistently, there are going to be errant throws. It all starts up front with the left tackle. It's a pivotal role."

Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills presents a formidable challenge for a Ravens offensive line that has been hobbled by injuries, particularly at tackle. Buffalo is home to one of the NFL's most prolific sack artists, Aaron Schobel.

"We had to do a lot to account for Leonard Little last week, and we'll have to equally do so to try to account for Schobel," said head coach Brian Billick. "Aaron Schobel is one of the best guys in the league coming off the edge."

Numbers don't lie. Since 2003, only Jason Taylor of the Dolphins has more quarterback sacks than Schobel. With only once sack in the 2007 campaign, his breakout game could come any week.

"He's just a hell of player," said Terry, who, if deemed healthy, will be the man squaring up with Schobel on Sunday. "He's got a lot of speed, but the thing about him is that agility. That's what separates great pass-rushers from good pass-rushers, the counter move off of what the tackle gives them."

If Terry's ankle keeps him out another week – he is listed as questionable on the team's injury report – rookie Jared Gaither will get his second straight start. Last week's debut was a learning experience for the Ravens' youngest player, who faced Little another of the NFL's best defensive ends.

"It was a tough task and he gave me a great game, but I thought I did a good job," said Gaither. "I was prepared last week, but now I'm going to have to prepare even more.

"The thing is, I go against great players like Terrell Suggs in practice everyday."

That preparation has given the rookie a quiet confidence.

"I've studied [Schobel] on film, and he's very good. But that's going to be the case every week as we get into the thick of things," said Gaither. "Even in college, I went against Mario Williams, [Mathias] Kiwanuka and Calais Campbell. There are always great players, but you still have to line up and make them play."

For over a decade, Jonathan Ogden has been the cornerstone of the Ravens' offense. But a toe injury has kept him out since the opening game against Cincinnati, paving the way for Terry, and subsequently Gaither, to fill in as the team's primary bodyguard.

"The left tackle is a huge part of what your offense does because of the role in pass protection," said Ogden. "If your left tackle can win his battles, you have a good chance to win."

Winning the battle against Schobel will be critical for the Ravens on Sunday.

"No doubt, it's a big [match up]," said Terry. "Going up against one of the best pass-rushers in the league is a heavy burden to bear, but you've got to do it.

"Whether it's me or Jared, we'll be fine out there. That's what you're here for, to keep good players away from the quarterback. You're not here to let guys run by you. If you do that, you're not going to be here very long."