Facing the Baltimore Ravens and their dynamic offensive duo of two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and the formidable Derrick Henry poses a true test for any defense. Lamar Jackson has been lauded as the "best dual-threat quarterback in the league and in history, today." His performance continues to justify such accolades, particularly evident in his 2023 season, during which he recorded 26 touchdowns against just eight interceptions. This impressive stat has placed Jackson's touchdown-to-interception ratio as the fourth-best in the NFL during that span.
Jackson's prowess doesn't end with his passing ability. With over 750 rushing yards in each of his first five NFL seasons from 2019 to 2023, he has cemented his status as a top-tier dual-threat quarterback. Defenses must be on high alert not only for his accurate arm but also for his electrifying runs that can change the course of a game in mere seconds.
However, Jackson is not the only threat. Alvin Kamara demonstrated his exceptional talent in a recent clash against the Dallas Cowboys, where he rushed for 115 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries. Kamara's performance was capped off with a total of 180 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns, showcasing his ability to be a game-changer on the field.
Defensive Challenges
Defensively, the Baltimore Ravens have faced their own set of challenges. Osa Odighizuwa, for instance, has a defensive grade of 45.6, placing him 91st out of 115 defensive tackles. Meanwhile, the grades for Mazi Smith, Linval Joseph, and Jordan Phillips stand at 28.9, 31.7, and 29.6 respectively, numbers far from what is expected of dominant defensive players.
On the other hand, Micah Parsons has been a beacon of hope with his relentless pressure on quarterbacks. With 14 quarterback pressures, Parsons ranks third-most in the NFL. In 2023, he also faced double-teams on 35% of his pass-rush plays, the highest in the league among edge rushers. Parsons' tenacity on the field is palpable, as he remarked, "At some point, all 11 [on the field] got to have the same mindset, and that's just toughness."
The defensive unit's struggle has not gone unnoticed by former head coach Mike Zimmer. Reflecting on the issue, Zimmer mentioned, "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."
Looking Ahead
As the Ravens gear up for future matchups, the anticipation of facing Derrick Henry looms large. Henry, known for his powerhouse running style, is a force to be reckoned with. Micah Parsons recognizes the challenge ahead, stating, "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."
Parsons also commented on the expectations placed upon him as a defensive leader, "The expectations is 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."
As the season progresses, the Ravens must balance the high-octane performances of their offensive stars with the pressing need for a fortified defense. The game against the Dallas Cowboys served as a reminder that while individual brilliance can shine brightly, a cohesive and resilient team effort remains indispensable for long-term success.
Every game presents an opportunity for reevaluation and growth. With players like Jackson and Kamara leading the way, and defensive stalwarts like Parsons laying it all on the line, the Ravens have the potential to navigate their challenges and emerge stronger, provided they harness their collective strengths effectively.