Ravens VS Chargers: Week 6 Preview
Lamar Jackson has been on a tear, having thrown for over 750 yards with 5 TDs and no INTs in his last two games, and now even more help us on the way. 1st round pick Rashod Bateman is set to make his NFL debut tomorrow against the Chargers and Ravens fans will finally get their first glimpse of what the passing game could be at (near) full strength. Bateman is not expected to have a large role, the Ravens will ease him in after recovering from a groin injury, but the excitement is still palpable within the Flock. Bateman is the big, fast outside receiver Baltimore has been searching for since drafting Lamar Jackson in 2018. He's an excellent route runner and can win at all levels of the field. With Hollywood breaking out, Lamar playing the best football of his career, Mark Andrews coming on strong after a slow start, and quality play from support pieces Watkins, Proche and Duvernay-- the addition of Bateman will make the Ravens offense nearly unstoppable.
“unstoppable” also describes any competent offense that goes against Baltimore’s defense. The Ravens are currently middle of the pack in terms of points allowed, owing to a game and a half against Jared Goff and Drew Lock. Against the Raiders, Chiefs, and Colts they're surrendering 31 points per game. Their next opponent is not Jared Goff or Drew Lock. The Chargers come to town 4-1 and riding a 3 game win streak over the Raiders, Chiefs, and Browns during which they scored at least 28 in every game. Justin Herbert has thrown himself into the forefront of the MVP debate and is on pace to best all his numbers from his record setting rookie year. The Chargers have two top tier WRs in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Williams is questionable having missed practice all week but his would be the absence most easily endured by LA. Williams spends most of his time testing defenses vertically, the Chargers would still have MOF killers Allen and Austin Ekeler at their disposal and that area is the weakest link for these Ravens.
Queen and Harrison have been a problem for Baltimore's defense all year, missing tackles and being unable to stay with TEs and RBs in pass coverage. The Ravens will need that group to step up this Sunday and moving forward if they want a return to the Ravens defense of old. One player who has not been a concern is rookie EDGE Odafe Oweh. He's made an impact from day one, getting pressure on opposing QBs and forcing turnovers in big moments in multiple games. He'll have his work cut out for him this week going against fellow rookie, LT Rashawn Slater. Slater has done a great job this year only allowing 2 sacks through 5 games. This rookie vs rookie battle will be key to the outcome of this week's game, Baltimore's secondary cannot be trusted until further notice and they may need Oweh to continue his clutch ways in what is sure to be a high scoring affair.
I say sure to be high scoring because the Chargers defense has had similar troubles keeping opposing offenses out of the endzone. Lamar Jackson has been nothing short of exceptional so far and his supporting cast has responded in kind. We've already discussed Bateman being activated but the offense will have reinforcements on the line as well in the form of second year pro Tyre Phillips. Phillips has been out since the opener and should provide depth at guard and tackle in his first game back. We'll also be getting our second look at RB Le’Veon Bell, who was called up to the 53 man roster earlier today. Bell’s debut left a lot to be desired but perhaps with a couple more weeks to practice and get in shape he'll have a bigger impact in week 6. Baltimore's ground game has “struggled” this season. They're 4th in the league in rushing but Jackson has more rushing yards than their top 2 RBs combined. Latavius Murray is a plodder, a powerful runner who lacks the ability to get anything more than what's blocked. Devonta Freeman had a 31 yard run but has been completely ineffective on his 6 other carries. Ty’son Williams had been the most effective back but appeared to have his confidence shaken by being deactivated and may find himself inactive again this week. If the Ravens plan to lean into the pass game then having Bell and Freeman both active makes some sense. Catching the ball out of the backfield was a major part of both backs success and Baltimore would do well to find more easy checkdowns for Lamar.
Either way this appears to be the game of the week and will which QB can avoid mistakes. At home, with his team getting healthier by the minute, my money is on Lamar and the Ravens to pull off a message sending win.