Facing the Baltimore Ravens and their dynamic offensive duo of two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and the formidable Derrick Henry would strike trepidation into any defense. Jackson has been lauded as the "best dual-threat quarterback in the league and in history, today." His blend of agility, speed, and arm strength makes him a unique threat on the field. In 2023, during the second of his two NFL MVP seasons, Jackson recorded 26 touchdowns against just eight interceptions, a testament to his efficiency and decision-making prowess.
Jackson’s prowess isn’t confined to the passing game. He has piled up over 750 rushing yards in each of his first five NFL seasons from 2019 to 2023, showcasing his ability to dominate on the ground as well. His touchdown-to-interception ratio ranks fourth-best in the NFL during that span, highlighting his elite status among quarterbacks.
In their latest outing, the Ravens unveiled another weapon in their offensive arsenal—Alvin Kamara. Kamara’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, rushing for 115 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries against the Dallas Cowboys. He didn't stop there, amassing a total of 180 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns in the same game. Kamara’s versatility and explosiveness add a new dimension to an already potent offense.
The Defense
Despite these offensive fireworks, the Ravens’ defense has shown areas of vulnerability. Osa Odighizuwa's defensive grade stands at 45.6, placing him 91st out of 115 defensive tackles. Fellow defenders Mazi Smith, Linval Joseph, and Jordan Phillips have not fared much better, with grades of 28.9, 31.7, and 29.6 respectively. This underlines the struggle the Ravens have faced in solidifying their defense against competing teams.
However, one bright spot in the Ravens' defense has been Micah Parsons. A relentless force on the field, Parsons has recorded 14 quarterback pressures, the third-most in the NFL. His impact goes beyond just numbers; opposing teams have recognized his influence, leading to Parsons facing double-teams on 35% of his pass-rush plays, the highest in the league among edge rushers. Parsons, reflecting on this, noted, "The expectations are like I'm the person that's gonna get the slide, I'm the person that's going to get the majority of the chips and the double teams… So it would be shocking to me if you were to limit me because I would think [it] would be the worst thing."
Challenges and Mindset
The challenges facing the Ravens are more than just statistical. As Micah Parsons summarized, "At some point, all 11 [on the field] got to have the same mindset, and that's just toughness." This isn't just talk; it's a recognition of the mental and physical fortitude required to compete at the highest level. Parsons added, "Toughness. Step up. Ain't no other choice. Derrick Henry's going to come downhill, like it or not. So it's not like a matter of are you going to stop it. It's just, are you going to do it or not. I know I'm ready for the matchup."
Even the coaching staff is adjusting and learning. Mike Zimmer, reflecting on a recent game, stated, "Maybe I tried to use him a little bit more in a lot of different things... It may have affected some of the other players and asked them to do too many things this week." This admission underscores the challenges of balancing player utilization and maximizing team performance.
The upcoming games will indeed test the mettle of the Ravens' lineup. With seasoned professionals like Lamar Jackson and rising stars like Alvin Kamara, balanced against the defensive firepower of Micah Parsons, the stage is set for an intriguing showdown. As strategies evolve and players push their limits, the essence of the sport's unpredictability and excitement remains ever-present.