First Down: Make Geno Smith beat himself
The Baltimore Ravens have the most sacks in the NFL this season, but the pass rushers will have a challenge against the Seahawks. The Seattle offensive line has done well protecting Geno Smith in the pocket, as he’s only been sacked 14 times this season. The Ravens will have to be creative in their schemes, but this is a game where players need to win their matchups up front. Justin Madubuike has been red hot and he’s had at least a half-sack a game for five straight games. Jadeveon Clowney isn’t racking up sacks but he’s gotten great pressure on the quarterback. These are the two players who are key to the Ravens continuing their pass-rushing excellence.
The Ravens have to stop the run and make the Seahawks one-dimensional. They need to bet that their bullies at the line of scrimmage get the job done and they need to give Smith an aptitude test. The Seahawks are a solid team and they currently lead the NFC West with a 5-2 record. They’re loaded at wide receiver. They have plenty of talent at running back as well. This offense is still a middle-of-the-pack unit. If the Ravens can keep Smith uncomfortable it could be a great day for Baltimore.
While Baltimore is grateful for the Seahawks topping the Browns last week, it looks like the perfect time to beat Smith. He had two interceptions against Cleveland and has thrown five in the past three weeks. Smith had 4,282 yards 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in a very strong 2022 season. He had a career year but he is what he is, a steady game manager. He may have to be a difference-maker against the Ravens. The Ravens need to put it all on his shoulders this week.
2nd Down: Gus Edwards is on an absolute roll
Gus Edwards is having a fantastic season. He averaged 4.2 yards per carry against the Cardinals and scored three touchdowns. He gets 12-19 rushing attempts per game and he gives you very consistent production. While we’re on the subject, don’t forget about his 80-yard reception in the 38-6 win over the Detroit Lions. The Ravens were looking at running backs at the trade deadline. Justice Hill has had some issues with the mesh point exchange with Lamar Jackson and fumbles. Keaton Mitchell isn’t a known commodity and he’s been dealing with injuries. The only sure-fire thing is that a healthy Edwards is hard to stop.
Edwards could be a key player for the Ravens against Seattle. The Browns gashed the Seattle defense on the way to 155 rushing yards. The Cardinals had a good game on the ground when they played Seattle two weeks ago. They are susceptible to a hammering run game up the gut and that screams Edwards. Look for Edwards to have 15 carries or more with the intent of punishing the Cardinals’ defense.
Third Down: Lamar Jackson could be ready to have a huge game
When the Ravens beat the Lions 38-6, everybody was amazed at how well Lamar Jackson played. He had 357 yards, and three touchdowns and only missed on six throws. Everyone in the Flock thought it was a dream and many couldn’t believe that this offense was performing at such a high level. So when Jackson did just enough against the Arizona Cardinals and production was no longer at astronomical levels it was a bit disappointing. Jackson might be hotter than you think. He had 236 yards in a game against the Steelers in which the entire receiving crew had a case of the yips. If those seven passes were caught it would have been a monster game statistically similar to the Lions game.
In the London game, Jackson had 236 yards in the air and 62 on the ground. The offense hasn’t been perfect and neither has Jackson, but he’s been very efficient and accurate as a passer. The Ravens have a habit of playing down to the level of their competition. Everyone knew the Cardinals game would be more frustrating than it should be – that’s life with John Harbaugh. Everything clicked against the Lions, but that doesn’t mean Jackson hasn’t been clicking all season.
4th Down: Another Statement win would have the Ravens sitting pretty
The Ravens have a chance to come out of this week in a nearly perfect situation. If they win they would be 7-2 and would keep pace with the top teams in the conference. The Ravens are the only AFC North team that hasn’t had their bye week and are 6-2, while all three of their divisional have three losses. The Bengals just got a huge win against the San Francisco 49ers and look dangerous. That said the Bengals have a tough test on Sunday Night Football. A Bengals loss and a Ravens win makes for a more comfortable cushion over Cincinnati.
The Ravens will take any kind of win they can get but this feels like a game where you want style points. If they can have another dominant performance against a division leader the Ravens would show that they are one of the most impressive teams in the NFL. The Lions game made Baltimore believe that a Super Bowl contender was trying to break free – that the Ravens were about to get back to a 2019 style of victory. If the Ravens can find a way to play their best football more often, this could be a monster season.
