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. As the Ravens look to cement their dominance, all eyes are on Jackson, lauded as the "best dual-threat quarterback in the league and in history, today." This is no idle praise; Jackson's stats in 2023 speak volumes. During his second MVP season, he recorded 26 touchdowns against just eight interceptions, securing the fourth-best touchdown-to-interception ratio in the league during that span.
Jackson’s prowess doesn't end in the air. He has accumulated over 750 rushing yards in each of his first five NFL seasons from 2019 to 2023, a testament to his versatility and athleticism. His ability to keep defenses on edge with both his passing and rushing attacks makes him a unique challenge. In an era where the league is rich with quarterback talent, Jackson stands out as a singular force of nature.
Offensive Outburst Against the Cowboys
Jackson's excellence shines even brighter when surrounded by offensive stars like Alvin Kamara. In a recent clash, Kamara rushed for 115 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries against the Dallas Cowboys—a dazzling performance by any measure. Kamara amassed a total of 180 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns in the same game, embodying the kind of offensive explosion that can singlehandedly tilt the scales.
Despite their offensive firepower, challenges remain on the defensive side. Osa Odighizuwa's defensive grade is 45.6, placing him 91st out of 115 defensive tackles. Meanwhile, teammates Mazi Smith, Linval Joseph, and Jordan Phillips have grades of 28.9, 31.7, and 29.6 respectively. These numbers don't inspire confidence and suggest vulnerabilities that opposing offenses will look to exploit.
Defensive Stalwart: Micah Parsons
On the flip side, Micah Parsons continues to be an indomitable force. With 14 quarterback pressures, Parsons boasts the third-most in the NFL. His impact is even more impressive considering he faced double-teams on 35% of his pass-rush plays in 2023, the highest in the league among edge rushers. Parsons described his approach and the team's collective mindset saying, "At some point, all 11 [on the field] got to have the same mindset, and that's just toughness."
His resilience and readiness shine through whenever he takes the field. Parsons acknowledged the unique challenges he faces, stating, "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."
Preparing for Derrick Henry
As if the demands on Parsons aren’t enough, anticipating a clash with Derrick Henry adds another layer of preparation. Parsons’ thoughts on Henry encapsulate the mindset needed for such a daunting task: "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."
In a league where toughness and resilience often dictate outcomes, Parsons embodies those traits. However, it’s a fine balance between using a star player effectively and overburdening him—a scenario Minnesota's Mike Zimmer reflected on: "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."
As teams strategize and prepare, the balance of using key players effectively while maintaining overall team performance remains a delicate act. For the Ravens, the reliance on Jackson and the supporting cast's execution underlines their quest for supremacy. Meanwhile, defensive units, led by talents like Parsons, strive to meet the challenge head-on with sheer toughness and tactical acumen.