Some pundits are wondering if the Ravens’ struggles in red zones and their inconsistent passing offense is a cause for concern, especially for an offensive unit that was expected be at its best again this season.
Last season, Baltimore was ranked No. Last season, Baltimore was No. In the last two games, only three touchdowns were scored by the Ravens on nine trips to the red zone (33.3%). On Sunday, when they were facing first-and-10 inside the 10-yard-line against the Cleveland Browns, the Ravens settled on field goals for two possessions. The Ravens are ranked 28 th for red-zone offense this season. They score touchdowns 47.2%.
Childs Walker of The Baltimore Banner wrote. “And yet defenses continue to blanket Jackson’s targets and stuff Derrick Henry at an alarming rate.
“Have Ravens become predictable?” Jackson’s mobility has been affected by the hamstring injuries that kept him out of action for three games. If they don’t have to worry about a Jackson rollout or keeper, it’s much easier for the defense to focus on Henry. “Or perhaps we should blame a defensive line that is unable to move bodies when the offense knows a run will be coming, and cannot keep ‘elite’ pass rushers — there are none more elite than Myles Garrett of the Browns who finished with five tackles for losses and four sacks — from destroying Jackson’s pocket.”
The Ravens rank 29th for passing yards, down from seventh last year. Only once have the Ravens had more than 200 passing yards in one game this season (224 against the Detroit Lions, Week 3).
Jackson played well in his first match back after injury. He went 18-for-24 (78.3%), for 204 yard with four touchdowns, and no interceptions in Week 9 against the Miami Dolphins. Jackson has played two games in the last two weeks against the Minnesota Vikings (57.4%), and the Browns (57.4%), accumulating 369 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Jackson hasn’t been running as often or as productively in the past as he used to. He missed Wednesday’s training due to soreness in his knee. Jackson, the all-time leader for quarterbacks in terms of rushing yards in a single season and in total, has run 60 yards in three games (3.3 yards per carrying) since his return.
Kyle Brandt of “Good Morning Football” believes that the Ravens will not be able to make it far in the playoffs without Jackson performing at an MVP-level.
“[Sunday’s game against Browns] was a poor match by Lamar’s incredible standards.” Brandt stated that Lamar has never played worse. We can’t allow that. It’s unlikely that Lamar will play averagely. “I left this game thinking that the Ravens’ ‘come-running thing’ probably won’t happen, just because they looked bad.”
The Ravens win even when the offense is not firing on all cylinders. Jackson has a winning record of.733, and the unit is full of proven playmakers.
John Harbaugh, the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, was asked about Jackson’s performances in his last two games. He replied: “He wins games.” Finding ways to win a game is what counts. That’s what matters. And I think Lamar did an excellent job in both games by playing this kind of winning football.
Harbaugh has also disputed the idea that Jackson is a less dangerous runner in this season.
Harbaugh stated, “Lamar will be running 100 yards in no time.” “So that’s always possible – I know defenses will have to take that into consideration, and it’s good for us.”
The Ravens can be frightening if the offense and the dramatically improved defense perform to their full potential.