The Baltimore Ravens certainly didn’t draw it up like this. The team on the East Coast is 0-2 to kick off their first season since they reached the AFC Championship as the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
Some are quick to tell fans to pump the breaks and hold out patience at least until Week 3 is over. However, fans are correct to press the panic button on Lamar Jackson’s team after back-to-back disastrous endings to both games.
Here are two reasons the Ravens are in serious trouble.
Bizarrely lopsided defense
The first red flag is perhaps the most bizarre statistic in the NFL right now. According to ESPN, the team’s defensive unit ranks 15th in total yards allowed per game. However, they have the 32nd-ranked passing defense in terms of yards allowed per game. When it comes to rushing yards allowed, they have the opposite. They have the best-rushing defense in the league in terms of yards per game.
As such, the blueprint to dicing the defense couldn’t be clearer. Offenses can do one check of the stats and know they need to avoid running as much as possible and stick to throwing. This makes things very difficult on the offense, who will need to win shootouts to get back into the swing of things this season.
The Baltimore Ravens are lacking a dynamic passing offense
Jackson has taken heat on his ability to throw the football at times throughout his career. The quarterback doesn’t even like to throw, according to the Washington Post.
Well, the statistics prove it.
While Jackson has a 2:1 touchdown-interception ratio so far, his receivers have not been dynamic.
Isaiah Likely led the Ravens in receiving coming out of Week 1. After Week 2, the tight end still leads the team in receiving despite earning just 26 yards against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Put simply, having a No. 1 tight end is not the easiest way to win a shoot out.
The Baltimore Ravens have big problems, and unless something gets fixed, they could end up shocking the NFL for all of the wrong reasons.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
For the latest on all sports, check out Viral Sports News.
