Tylan Wallace, take a bow.
His game-winning punt return touchdown was personification of perseverance. Not only did he not get many reps, but he was on the verge of not even making the team this summer. In fact, in three seasons, Wallace has only caught six passes. But make no mistake, his value was vindicated with an emphatic tight rope return to beat the Rams and vault the Ravens to the AFC’s top spot.
Baltimore did lose All-Pro-in-waiting Kyle Hamilton to a knee injury during the game, and like Devin Duvernay, Hamilton was “being evaluated,” according to John Harbaugh during his post-game press conference.
Finishing Week 14 with 10 wins and atop your conference is pretty rare. The Ravens know they made a lot of mistakes against the Rams, but great teams find a way to win when it seems like no way exists.
It’s a pretty good time to be a Ravens fan. Not so much for Jaguars fans.
Jacksonville has lost two in a row and are set to play their third straight AFC North team this Sunday night in primetime. The Jaguars are a beleaguered 2-4 at home this season, and welcome in the Ravens—the current favorite to represent the AFC in Super Bowl LVIII—who are 4-1 on the road in 2023.
In four of Jacksonville’s five losses this season, their defense has allowed at least 31 points. To their credit, the Jags have been scoring a good amount as well, but they haven’t been able to seal the deal when it matters most as of late.
Speaking of which, that very ailment has plagued Baltimore in most of their games this year.
That is, until this past Sunday.
Coming off that enthralling victory, the Ravens go on the road to face the Jaguars for what will be their third of four primetime games in a 5-week span. Here are three key matchups that should have a significant influence on the outcome of this game.
Marcus Williams vs. Trevor Lawrence
This is a matchup for which I wish the network will show us the All-22 view.
Lawrence has had an up and down season. He’s on pace to throw for over 4,200 yards, but he’s also on pace to throw 13 interceptions. He’ll make some really big plays but could turn around and give the ball away. Specifically at home, Lawrence is completing 67.7 percent of his passes to go along with a 2:1 TD/INT ratio.
One thing that should help him settle a bit is his offensive line. According to Next Gen Stats, Jacksonville has the 4th-lowest pressure rate in the league, allowing a quarterback pressure on only 29.5 percent of drop backs. Assuming the Jaguars’ protection continues to hold up, Williams will have a lot to manage this week. Look for how he communicates and keeps things organized, particularly after Jacksonville’s offensive substitutions and on 3rd downs.
Ronnie Stanley vs. Travon Walker
Ronnie Stanley has already given up more sacks this year (4) then he’s given up in any other season in his career. From 2018-22, he only gave up three sacks total. His pass protection hasn’t been the best this
year, but he’s had some good moments, for sure. Going up against the No. 1 overall pick from 2022 this Sunday in prime time will be quite the test—one he will surely relish.
2nd-year outside linebacker Travon Walker has recorded at least a half sack in 7 of his 13 games played this season. His production isn’t groundbreaking, but it is a threat, nonetheless. I favor Stanley in this matchup, but not by much. Though Stanley isn’t old by any means, he could be susceptible to Walker’s speed-to-power rushes in passing situations.
Keep your eye on the beginning of the game to see how Stanley defends Walker, and if he struggles, how the Ravens tweak their protections.
Patrick Queen vs. Evan Engram
Jaguars tight end Evan Engram’s first 11 games: 5.8 receptions per game, 47.6 yards per game, 0 touchdowns. His last two games: 10.0 receptions per game, 88.5 yards per game, 3 touchdowns.
All of a sudden, Engram has turned into an elite receiving threat on an offense that already had a surplus of talent. Fortunately for the Ravens, Patrick Queen is playing, maybe, the best football of his life. He’s on pace to surpass most* of his 2022 totals (which were all career highs).
*Queen has yet to make an interception this season. He made two last season.
This is a matchup I predict football purists will be watching and re-watching many times next week. Expect both players to get the better of the other on a few occasions. A stalemate here wouldn’t be the worst thing for either team, as both these players are fully capable of taking over a game in its biggest moment.
I’m predicting a 26-20 Ravens win, as well as the following fantasy football performances from these key players:
Keaton Mitchell: 4 carries, 80 yards; 2 receptions, 35 yards, TD (17.5 fantasy points)
Zay Flowers: 6 receptions, 122 yards; 1 carry, 9 yards (13.1 fantasy points)
Trevor Lawrence: 29/44, 276 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT; 4 carries, 22 yards (15.2 fantasy points)
Evan Engram: 8 receptions, 84 yards, TD (14.4 fantasy points
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.