Facing the Baltimore Ravens with their electrifying offensive tandem of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry is a challenge that would strike trepidation into any defense. Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP, has earned accolades as the "best dual-threat quarterback in the league and in history, today." His remarkable versatility and record-breaking performances have made him a nightmare for opposing teams.
In 2023, during his second MVP-winning season, Jackson showcased his prowess with 26 touchdowns against just eight interceptions. His touchdown-to-interception ratio ranks fourth-best in the NFL during that period, underscoring his efficiency and precision. Over each of his first five NFL seasons from 2019 to 2023, Jackson has consistently amassed over 750 rushing yards, demonstrating his ability to dominate both through the air and on the ground.
Meanwhile, the Ravens' offensive arsenal extends beyond Jackson. In a recent clash, Alvin Kamara delivered a stellar performance, rushing for 115 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries against the Dallas Cowboys. Kamara's total yardage from scrimmage reached 180 yards, and he accounted for four touchdowns in the game, posing a significant threat to any defense.
Despite these offensive juggernauts, some defensive players have struggled. Osa Odighizuwa's defensive grade of 45.6 places him 91st out of 115 defensive tackles. Mazi Smith, Linval Joseph, and Jordan Phillips have similarly low grades of 28.9, 31.7, and 29.6, respectively. These statistics highlight the need for a stronger defensive effort to contain such formidable opponents.
On the flip side, there are standout defenders like Micah Parsons, who continues to make his mark. Parsons boasts 14 quarterback pressures, the third-most in the NFL. In 2023, he faced double-teams on 35% of his pass-rush plays, the highest in the league among edge rushers. Parsons' relentless pursuit and determination were evident when he remarked, "At some point, all 11 [on the field] got to have the same mindset, and that's just toughness."
For defenses preparing to face Derrick Henry, the message is clear—toughness is non-negotiable. Parsons emphasized, "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."
Addressing the challenges and complexities of game plans, Mike Zimmer reflected on his tactical decisions, stating, "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." It’s clear that balancing the utilization of star players with overall team strategy is a delicate act that can impact team performance.
Summarizing the high expectations placed on him, Parsons expressed, "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."
As teams prepare to face superstar quarterbacks like Jackson and powerhouse runners like Henry, the focus on both offensive strategies and defensive resilience remains paramount. The ability to adapt, demonstrate toughness, and execute under pressure will ultimately determine their success.