Five questions for Ravens-Rams game: Can Baltimore’s defense stop Matt Stafford?


Welcome to the latest edition of 5 Questions. This is a collaboration between SB Nation and other sites to preview upcoming Ravens matchups. The Los Angeles Rams will be in Baltimore this week. Evan Craig from Turf Show Times was on hand to answer Baltimore Beatdown’s questions regarding Week 6.

Check out Baltimore Beatdown for their answers to Turf Show Times questions regarding the Ravens.


1. The Ravens are a defense that struggles at all levels. Rams can attack in any way they choose. How do you envision the Rams attacking that defense?

Simply breathing and showing up to the field.

The Rams continue to attack the Ravens defense with a pass-happy attitude. Matthew Stafford averages 29 passes per game. He has made 98 in his last two games, against the Colts & 49ers. Stafford was a legitimate concern about his health going into the season. However, he has had the best start to his L.A. Career since his first Hollywood year. The team’s offensive strategy has been to pass at will, primarily to Puka Ncua and Davante Adam. I don’t think that’s going anywhere anytime soon.

The ground game has not been as effective… yet. Blake Corum and Kyren Williams have both had their moments. Since the Ravens are so bad at defense, I think this week would be a great opportunity to run more often as the Rams get closer to their bye. Expect L.A.’s offense to pass early and frequently on Sunday.


2. The Ravens are terrible at protecting their quarterback, as they have allowed a large number of sacks even when Lamar Jackson tried to avoid them. Who else in the Rams’ backfield, besides Jared Verse could cause havoc on Sunday?

Byron Young, a linebacker for the New York Jets, has been a nightmare to opposing quarterbacks. He leads the team in sacks with 5.5 through five games. Young has also had 10 QB Hits, one less than Verse. Young is a great close and can chase anyone down when given the chance. Watch out for Braden Fiske or Kobie Turner, both of whom have yet to record a single sack. The Rams have so many young talents on the defensive side of the football that anyone could be causing havoc on any given week.


3. Is there a weak spot on the Rams offensive line where the Ravens can attack in order to give life to their sluggish pass rush?

In the first few weeks of this season, the Rams’ offensive line has faced a number of challenges. Nine different players have been on L.A.’s O.line. Injuries along the line have been the primary cause of the Rams’ inability to maintain continuity. Steve Avila and Beaux Limmer, as well as Kevin Dotson, have all shown signs that they are regressing, so the answer is not clear.

If you want to pass rush, the best place to start is at the left guard position. This area has been the most dynamic in these early weeks. Now it looks like Avila, a presumed building-block, might be able to compete for a starting position. Fans have been frustrated by the inconsistency of the team and its continuity throughout this season. There is no solution to these issues, unless a major overhaul takes place during offseason.


4. Matt Stafford has been a driving force behind the historic seasons of Calvin Johnson, Cooper Kupp and now it seems that Puka nucua will be next. What is it about Stafford that makes him so unique?

Matthew Stafford is the ultimate gunslinger. This mentality makes him willing to take chances in the passing game and give his best receivers the targets that they need. This mentality can sometimes backfire on him when he forces it too much, but it usually works wonders. Stafford knows how to make the most of his best targets. That’s why they end up producing historic numbers.

I think Stafford can make any receiver stand out. Stafford can also make wideouts such as Johnson, Kupp, and Nacua look good because they all have a natural knack for the football. He is the best friend of wide receivers. It’s something Hall of Fame voters should consider when it comes time to vote, as all great players possess this gift. Stafford has had it throughout his career.


5. What has been the biggest surprise or disappointment for the Rams so far in this season?

Linebacker Nate Landman has been the biggest surprise this offseason. He has been a free agent that has impressed many. Landman has made 41 tackles combined (second most on the Rams) and forced two fumbles in his first year with the Rams after leaving the Falcons. One of those fumbles saved L.A.’s season opener win against the Texans. He is in line for an extension, and has been a linebacker the Rams failed to prioritize over the years.

Kyren Williams has been the biggest disappointment, in a sense. He signed a contract extension with the team before the season. Williams’ fumbled touchdown was one of many reasons Los Angeles fell to the 49ers on Thursday. reports that this was his 10th fumble in career. According to The Athletic he fumbles about one every four games. The fumbles were a major reason for the risk of extending his contract, even though his performance was fine. He has done little to fix this problem. His potential to be one of the NFL’s top running backs is unlocked, but his inability to secure the ball at key locations prevents him from reaching greatness.

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