Following the Ravens trenches has been like riding a rollercoaster. The ebbs and flows have been as high and low this season as I can remember.
However, one thing has stayed consistent. Despite all of the skill at other positions, winning in the trenches has been the best predictor of success for this football team.
Now they will face a team that isn’t overly deep, but does have studs. Let’s break it down.
Containing Herbert
Justin Herbert’s splits when pressured and kept clean are pretty clear… you cannot let him sit in the pocket.
Herbert has completed 73.3% of his passes for 14 TD and just 1 INT when kept clean this season. While under pressure, those numbers drop to 49.5% for 5 TD and 4 INT, including a 5% turnover worthy play rate.
Rashawn Slater is a stud at LT, but outside of Slater their offensive line leaves a lot to be desired.
The Chargers rank 22nd in the league in pass blocking efficiency and their interior line has been the basis of their issues.
Now they welcome a group that has guys like Justin Madubuike and Michael Pierce who can push the pocket.
This may not be a game for Odafe Oweh to pop off against Slater, but I would like to highlight Jadeveon Clowney and his matchup with Trey Pipkins on the right side. Clowney’s ability to convert speed to power will give Pipkins issues. Pipkins has allowed 33 pressures, including seven sacks, this season and is a focal point to target.
Additionally, slowing down Austin Ekeler is essential, but I like the Ravens DL’s chances to bounce back in the run game, where they have struggled recently. Given the struggles are much more recent, it looks more like exhaustion to me. This team hasn’t had a bye week, but is coming off a 10 day rest.
I expect the Ravens DL to have a good day under the bright lights on SNF.
Keeping Lamar Upright
For three quarters last Thursday the offensive line was lights out. Now they will see a group of Chargers that does have a bonafide stud in Khalil Mack (12 sacks and 47 total pressures in 2023), but is without Joey Bosa.
This is significant as the Ravens aren’t focused to leave one of them single blocked and can focus their slide protections and TE help on Mack.
Last week, Todd Monken adjusted extremely well to the pressure that Trey Hendrickson was bringing and the rest of the Bengals DL wasn’t able to capitalize once Hendrickson started getting doubled.
This is the approach we need to see this week, but against Mack.
The LA defensive line isn’t that stout against the run, but their LBs and Derwin James are. I would like to see a zone heavy attack where the priority is running off the tackle and getting the offensive line into the second level for key blocks.
I think this is the perfect game for Keaton Mitchell to run the rock at least 10 times with his ability to explode for big plays.
Double teaming Mack and a zone heavy approach are the keys to success for the Ravens offensive line.
