Happy New Year!
At last, the 2022 season is upon us. The Ravens begin this season on the road against a Jets team that has been awful for the better part of a decade. In the last 10 years, New York has had four head coaches and a losing record. They drafted stud wideout Garrett Wilson, but they still don’t have a quarterback they can be confident in. The Jets could be in trouble already.
The Ravens aren’t without their own challenges. No real clarity on Ronnie Stanley, who plays a cornerstone position. Players like J.K. Dobbins and Marcus Peters are back but haven’t seen game action in quite a while. Rookies Travis Jones and David Ojabo figure to infuse the defensive front with strength and speed, but when will they be back to 100 percent?
I don’t believe the outcome of this game is in doubt, but how it comes to pass could be a surprise to many. Here are my three keys to the game for Baltimore.
Start fast
The one thing all teams want, especially in Week 1, is to start fast. Score on the opening offensive drive and force a punt or turnover on your first defensive drive. It sounds simple, and would be the catalyst to a blowout victory, but the Jets will have something to say about that.
Under Harbaugh’s leadership, the Ravens are 10-4 in Week 1 games. However, they have a record of 3-4 in Week 1 road games since he took over. So while the Ravens have had plenty of success to start their seasons, it hasn’t come easily. They will have to earn it.
The Jets ranked 19th in redzone defense last year, allowing a touchdown on 61 percent of opponent possessions. The Ravens scored on 10 of their 17 opening drives last year (5 touchdowns, 5 field goals). Baltimore will get chances, but they will need to get seven points instead of three—something Coach Harbaugh specifically identified as an area that needs improvement in 2022.
Let Lamar loose
If I was Greg Roman, I would open the entire playbook to Lamar Jackson this week. I understand it’s a long season in which the Ravens have much higher aspirations than to reclaim a winning record. I also understand Jackson is returning from an injury. However, as is the case at any level of football, if you’re on the field, you risk injury by not playing full speed. If there’s any hesitation in his recovery, don’t play him. But since he’s going to start, let him loose. Let him do his thing. This game and these seasons go so fast. It can seem long because the wait to arrive at Week 1 was so long, but windows of opportunity close quickly. It’s in Baltimore’s best interest to not hold Jackson back. If the Ravens get a sizeable lead late in the game, obviously he doesn’t need to be in the game, but until that happens, let him cook. After all, he’s the player you changed your whole franchise for.
Attack New York’s weaknesses
As far as I’m concerned, the best part about the Jets is their interior run defense and their cornerback position. Defensive linemen Solomon Thomas and Quinnen Williams, with their strength, movement, and disruption of blocking schemes, present challenges to offensive coordinators. Teams that have a cohesive offensive line are going to be in good shape. While the Ravens have a collection of good players at that position, they lack in-game experience together. I don’t think the Jets will ultimately prevail in this part of the game, but the Ravens will be tested.
In terms of cornerback play, the Jets have two good ones. First round pick Sauce Gardner (6’3”, 200 lbs.) looks the part and could very well shut down Rashod Bateman (6’1”, 193 lbs.), or at least hinder him enough to where Jackson looks elsewhere in his progressions. Gardner will be eager to show out in his first NFL game. D.J. Reed (from Seattle) will be another threat the Ravens will have to navigate. He’s coming off a career year in which he made 78 tackles, 8 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions.
Baltimore has the players and scheme to beat the Jets. If I were calling plays, I’d run right at those players. If you have Pat Ricard or Nick Boyle running at you snap after snap, you’re going to think twice about your pass responsibilities. Even then, Baltimore could be keen to deploy Devin Duvernay and James Proche to either free up space for other receivers or on a play action deep shot.
The pieces are there. It’s up to Roman how to assemble them. I think he will find the right mix.
Vegas
The sharps in Vegas like the Ravens a good amount this week. Baltimore opened as a 4 1/2-point favorite against New York but are now 7-point road favorites. The point total is a modest 44 1/2. While the Jets have some good players on their team, the Ravens have shown they are a complete team. Baltimore’s coaching staff has had ample time to prepare for a team that has gone 27-70 since 2016.
Prediction: Baltimore 30, New York 14.
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.