The Baltimore Ravens will be looking to keep the offensive fireworks going on Monday night. They’ll have to do so against one of the most feared defensive units in the NFL in the Los Angeles Rams.
Baltimore has already run away from some of the league’s best in their remarkable 8-2 start. They’ve rightfully claimed the top spot in many of the power rankings around the web and quarterback Lamar Jackson is the frontrunner to win the MVP award. Waiting for Jackson and company tonight is the two-time reigning Defensive Player of the Year, defensive tackle Aaron Donald, and a Rams team entering desperation mode.
The Rams were an elite offense in 2018 that masked some of their defensive struggles. And while their offense currently ranks 10th in points scored while their defense is 11th in points allowed, Los Angeles just doesn’t have the same mojo as last season, entering Week 12 at 6-4 and mired in a tight NFC playoff picture.
Let’s take a look at three players on the Rams defense the Ravens will have to focus on in order to keep Jackson’s MVP numbers and their winning streak rolling.
DT, Aaron Donald
We’ll start with the most obvious as the four-time All-Pro is a nightmare for any offensive line. Thanks to having some other players around him to ease the burden and double teams, Donald is on pace to win his third consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award.
Linebackers Clay Matthews and Dante Fowler have combined for 13.5 sacks this season, in addition to Donald’s team-leading eight sacks. Michael Brockers has not put up big numbers in 2019 but is a force up front as well. The Ravens offensive line is in for a test.
But it all starts with limiting Donald’s impact on the game. The Ravens’ top rushing offense is going to have their hands full containing who many feel is the best all-around player in the NFL. Baltimore will double team him all night, chip him with running backs whenever possible and do whatever it takes to steer clear of his presence on the field.
It is easier said than done as the Rams line Donald all over the line-of-scrimmage, but offensive coordinator Greg Roman has the personnel to try to slow him own. You’re not going to keep him from making an impact throughout, but limiting him to a few plays and keeping his hands off Jackson as much as possible will get that potent ground game churning.
LB, Cory Littleton
Littleton is often forgotten in the discussion of top linebackers around the NFL. That can happen when Matthews and Fowler get all the glory by getting to the quarterback. The UDFA pickup from Washington was a vital part of the Rams’ Super Bowl run last season and does all the little things the defense needs to be successful.
How Littleton plays tonight could go a long way in deciding this game. He is regarded as a terrific coverage linebacker to complement their pass rushers Matthews and Fowler. He has the speed to get sideline-to-sideline and cover some of the league’s best backs and tight ends. But one would expect Littleton to be the main man to keep an eye on Jackson in this one.
No one can keep up with the speed of Jackson — we’ve seen that all season long. But how well Littleton can keep Jackson from breaking off big runs and picking up first downs will play a major impact on what Baltimore does in this game.
S, Eric Weddle
Much had been made this week about whether Weddle was going to share any information about the Ravens. Whether you believe him or not is a topic for another day. However, the focus for Baltimore’s coaching staff is going to be to attack the former Pro Bowler.
The Ravens know Weddle’s strengths and weaknesses better than any team in the league. A once great coverage safety has struggled in that aspect in recent seasons. Tight ends have been a particular problem for Weddle and Baltimore will look to take advantage of his coverage woes with their trio of big, strong and fast tight ends.
As noted in the scouting preview of the Rams, they have had issues against 12 personnel and Weddle has been a part of those problems. Look for Roman to find as many opportunities as possible to get Mark Andrews and Hayden Hurst in one-on-one matchups with their former teammate.
Keep an eye on fellow safety Taylor Rapp and cornerback Troy Hill in this game as well. Both are having terrific campaigns, and with Jalen Ramsey also in that secondary, the Ravens will have to pick and choose their spots in the passing game. Going after Weddle whenever the situation presents itself will be the best way to attack the Rams through the air.
