Las Vegas Raiders: 3 Baltimore Ravens to Worry About in Week 1

Dec 29, 2019; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2019; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 25, 2018; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) is congratulated by Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) after the game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2018; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) is congratulated by Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) after the game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders: 3 Baltimore Ravens to Worry About in Week 1

Lamar Jackson, Quarterback

Lamar Jackson is easily the greatest weapon that Baltimore has and he’ll be looking to bounce back in the 2021 season. That’s not to say he had a bad year in 2020, but his production certainly took a step back.

In 2019, Jackson earned the MVP title by throwing for 3,127 yards and 36 touchdowns, while rushing for 1,206 yards and seven scores. Last season, Jackson threw for only 2,757 yards and 26 touchdowns and rushed for 1,005 yards and seven scores, so it’s evident that there was a dip in production.

Nonetheless, Jackson is still an incredible threat who can used his arm and legs to keep drives alive. It will be imperative for Vegas to limit Jackson’s mobility and contain him to the pocket. If they can do that, then Vegas’ pass rush can force Jackson to make bad throws and decisions when avoiding a sack.

And before anyone starts criticizing Las Vegas’ pass rush, it’s important to note that the Baltimore offensive line looks a bit different now. They lost their star left tackle Orlando Brown, who was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs during the offseason. Now, Alejandro Villanueva has taken his position, but he isn’t as talented as he used to be.

The interior of the line has also been revamped. Kevin Zeitler and Ben Cleveland are two new members of the team, while Bradley Boseman has been shifted over to play center. These changes to the offensive line and the lack of weapons should help Vegas put some pressure on and contain the former MVP.