Las Vegas Raiders vs. Baltimore Ravens: 3 Surprises in Week 1

2 of 4

Sep 13, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball ahead of Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib (94) during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Baltimore Ravens: 3 Surprises in Week 1

Defensive Line Dominance

If Lamar Jackson wasn’t a magician in the pocket, the Raiders would’ve had a lot more sacks than the three they ended up getting. The duo of Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue was as good as they were advertised this training camp, causing trouble for Jackson all night.

Unfortunately, Ngakoue had to leave the game early with a hamstring injury, but before that, they had no answer for the dup. Luckily for the Raiders, Carl Nassi stepped up big time, getting a big stop on third down to hold the Ravens to a field goal in the fourth quarter, and then the big forced fumble in overtime.

In the interior, Darius Philon and Quinton Jefferson also played really well, as the Raiders really only blitzed the Ravens once during the course of this game, and were creating pressure mainly from the four-man front, which is what Gus Bradley’s defense is predicated on. Look for the pressure to cause even more problems for a much less mobile Ben Rothlisberger in Week 2.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders News