Baltimore Beatdown’s first mailbag is here! We’ve received so many great questions from our readers in recent posts that we want to highlight them and give some of our answers. We would like to thank BmoreChamps and militaryravenfromnc for their frequent comments that sparked the first questions!

1. Why did Aeneas peebles miss the last three games because defensive tackles who stop the run were getting the majority of the snaps?

Aeneas Peebles’ scratches are probably a result of necessity. The Ravens seem to have given up trying to get consistent pressure with four rushers. There will be times when the Ravens line up in a direct four-man rush or simulate pressure using four rushers. The Ravens will blitz a lot to create pressure. Many of the pressure packages that were used on Sunday, during obvious passingdowns, seemed to have only one lineman: Travis Jones. Kyle Van Noy was inside with Mike Green outside, and a mixture of rushers including Trenton Simpson (on the inside), Roquan Smith (on the outside), Kyle Hamilton (on the outer), Marlon Humphrey etc.

Peebles is only playing in obvious passing situations, which are rare. The Ravens seem to be more concerned with rotating a lot of run stuffers in order to keep the line fresh. This is not a long-term plan, I don’t believe it, and I certainly hope that this isn’t the case. The Ravens have clearly not given up on their pass rush even without Nnamdi. Peebles could get more snaps if they trade for an edge rusher to boost their four-man pressure. Right now, however, the Ravens’ priority is to stop the run in order to get more third-and-longs and use the pressure plans that they have devised. Peebles’ run defense will not improve until he does. – Zach Canter

2. What can we realistically expect from Jaire Alexander in the remainder of the year?

Jaire Alexander is a player I don’t know much about. If the Ravens lose the game on Thursday against the Dolphins, I can see him being dealt to a contender, but the return will be very low.

Alexander is currently behind T.J. Tampa in the cornerback position. It’s difficult to imagine Alexander playing a significant role if Marlon, Nate Wiggins and Chidobe, Awuzie and Tampa remain healthy and play well. It’s not impossible that Alexander could play meaningful snaps for Baltimore this season. – Dustin Cox

3. Is the use of Keaton Mitchel last Sunday a positive sign for the future? Why was he kept on the bench so long?

John Harbaugh says that Mitchell’s inactivity at the start of the season was due to the special teams. Personal, I don’t think this is a valid reason to bench a playmaker of such dynamic ability, especially since Rasheen Ali, who has taken his place, hasn’t been able to do much on special teams. Mitchell’s blazing pace makes him a real threat from anywhere on the field. Derrick Henry is the ideal complement to Mitchell in the running game when teams have been worn out.

Mitchell’s Sunday usage was a positive sign. I hope his touches increase throughout the season. Henry and Mitchell in a backfield would be difficult for defensive coordinators to handle. – Dustin Cox

4. Why does the Ravens remove Henry from the field so often in short-yardage situations. Todd Monken makes predictable calls when Henry is on the field, namely running up the middle.

Todd Monken is in a tough spot on this one. It’s predictable if he uses Henry in short-yardage situations. He will be criticized if he does not use Henry. He could use Henry in a more creative way or with greater intention. Consider the Rams’ goal-line sequence. On third down, the Ravens attempted two sneaks and were stuffed. They may have been fine plays if you look at them individually, but when combined? Horrible. The three plays were all predictable as soon as the offense started. The plays were also not very creative.

What can he change? It would be helpful to use more misdirection and motion, and also to be willing and able test the edges of Henry and Keaton Mitchel. Lamar Jackson’s return and Patrick Ricard’s inclusion will be a huge boost to the Ravens short-yardage offense. Jackson’s gravitas opens up a lot of space for Henry and Ricard gives him a clearer path to the line. This might not be an issue in the future, but is something to keep an eye on. – Nikhil Mehta