The gauntlet begins this Sunday with the Rams potentially presenting the first of several interesting challenges for Mike Macdonald and his defense. Although the Rams offense lacks the complete talent of the Dolphins and 49ers, there’s enough in both the run and pass games to stress the Ravens cover-two defensive approach. Let’s take a look at some Ravens observations and lessons from the Chargers game.
Patrick Queen
I’ve noted over the prior several weeks that Queen’s play had deteriorated, becoming erratic in both the run and pass games. Queen’s indecisiveness was evident all over the tape, especially in read-and-react in the run game. His play was a bit steadier in the Chargers game, but not as strong as his grade out of Pro Football Focus (I generally downplay those grades). The Chargers’ game plan failed to target Queen, particularly in the run game where Queen’s role in the Ravens six-in-the-box approach has led to most of the Ravens’ defensive struggles.
Believe it or not I see Queen as the key to the Ravens defense over the balance of the season. Can he be both patient and decisive in the run game inside the box, avoiding or shedding guards, and thereby permitting Macdonald to continue to rely entirely on his Cover-2 structure against the elite offenses? Because if he can’t, Macdonald will be forced to compensate (or accept the resulting damage). What we haven’t seen this season is the Ravens get down by a score or two, permitting the opponent to focus on their run game and possibly forcing Macdonald’s hand.
In the pass game can Queen get to the speedy backs who will threaten in the flat, and timely get to his zones in the flat or mid-deep on the inside? Can he pass off receivers fast enough? Queen’s play is so critical against the elite offenses, and bears the most watching.
Tight End Adjustments Post-Mark Andrews
Todd Monken’s use of Isaiah Likely is completely different than that of Mark Andrews. His initial approach against the Chargers highlighted some interesting concepts. For one, last week Likely went in motion from an in-line pre-snap positioning more times than I could keep track of on my play sheet. It’s unusual, to say the least, to see tight ends so consistently utilized in this fashion. It helps Lamar Jackson see the matchup that Likely draws. Advantage Ravens, as Likely is a tough cover and tackle in open field matchups. He’s comparatively elusive, particularly when defenses must account for Zay Flowers and the rest of the wideouts. This motion more generally also helps Lamar identify safety assignments. Another advantage Ravens.
We saw this to great effect against the Chargers. The Ravens second possession witnessed a pressured Lamar dump off to Likely in the flat, where he juked two tacklers and turned the play into a solid gain. That was followed by a well designed screen to Likely for another strong gain. Later we saw a pass to Likely in the flat followed by strong yards after the catch.
I expect more from this structure. I can also imagine some creativity here with Keaton Mitchell on the field at the same time. Line up Mitchell in the backfield pre-snap. Motion Likely left, for example, then shift into five-wide with Mitchell on the other side. As for Mitchell . . .
Ravens Observations: More on Keaton Mitchell
Every week Mitchell’s tape leaves me with my mouth agape. I can’t spend time reviewing specific plays because I’d be writing a novel. This week, I starred six of them in his rotational time, more than any Raven.
I’m now repeating myself. Mitchell’s vision is outstanding. His cutting ability with uninterrupted acceleration is outstanding. Any defender left alone in the open field has little chance against him as his explosion is a pure joy to watch. Monken is still barely scratching the surface here. Prior week’s blogs review a bunch of this. I’m waiting for even more out of Monken. Generally, Mitchell should receive more of the work than Gus Edwards.
Justice Hill largely remains an afterthought in the game plan, which continues to puzzle. In his few touches against the Chargers his jukes, pop, and speed played extraordinarily well. Monken ran one play with both Mitchell and Hill in the backfield on a failed pass attempt to Rashod Bateman. But an occasional Hill/Mitchell combo could also present tough matchup problems for opponents. Will Monken expand this concept?
The Weekly Ronnie Stanley Report
Khalil Mack embarrassed Stanley. Now Mack remains an elite rusher, in my view, but Stanley’s play is getting really hard to watch. His negative plays are almost too numerous to count. The impact isn’t just on sacks yielded. It’s also forcing Lamar to surrender plays that would break open if only Stanley had a bit more to offer. Like Queen on the defensive side, Stanley’s play will likely determine the ceiling for the offense. Unlike Queen, however, I see little reason to believe that Stanley can deliver. What a shame to see a once-great player so compromised by injuries.
Ravens Observations From the Couch
Time for this week’s idle thoughts from the couch.
Death of the Bubble Screen
These disasters just have to end. I counted at least three more bubble screen blow-outs against the Chargers. It’s simply time to bury this stuff. The Ravens’ wideouts can’t block it, and the Ravens’ offensive linemen – whoever is called upon – can’t get out to the edge consistently and/or timely. Monken can use this formation for disguise. But I’d much rather focus on misdirection and creating space on the other side of the line of scrimmage than wasting time with plays the Ravens just can’t execute. Time to move on.
Stephens the Tackler
Sure, Keenan Allen had a full boatload of catches. But every time he wound up with Brandon Stephens on him, Stephens took him down almost immediately. I mean, there was virtually no YAC yielded by Stephens. He’s a sure tackler, in addition to turning into an excellent island corner. His paycheck is going way up next year.
Danger Lurking With Geno Stone
Let’s forget the interceptions for the moment. Stone is a guy who believes he can read the quarterback. He’s not particularly quick, and once he commits, he struggles to get his hips turned. There was one play last week where, out of a Cover-2 set he wound up with Cover-1 responsibilities, and was badly abused as he reacted slowly and couldn’t cover adequate ground.
Mike Macdonald has adapted to some of the Cover-2 run defense problems by tasking Marcus Williams to jump down more quickly. Perhaps this is because Stone just isn’t a great (barely average) tackler. But leaving Stone alone with any primary back-end responsibilities is an invitation for offenses like the Dolphins or 49ers to attack. Stone’s play on that back end bears closer inspection.
Travis Jones and Brent Urban
These two frequently take the field together in the Ravens’ defensive line rotation. Each of them is making major contributions in their limited play. Jones is becoming the two gap defender the Ravens envisioned, with the ability to push centers back into the quarterback. Urban is stoutly holding his position and making tackles himself. I wish I could say the same about Broderick Washington. Although his sack benefitted from a stunt, he’s otherwise had minimal impact in his limited play. Jones is on his way to the starting rotation next year if Michael Pierce leaves. Washington, on the other hand, is a disappointment.
Tavius Robinson
Take a look at Robinson’s pass rush repertoire. Whoops, there isn’t one. I just can’t dream myself into believing Robinson can become the next Za’Darius Smith or Pernell McPhee rushing off the edge. His pure running up the arc last week on one pass play surrendered almost 30 yards as Justin Herbert ran though the gaping wound created by Robinson. If you have no realistic ability to get to the quarterback, maintain your discipline and try containing him.
The Wow of Jadaveon Clowney Continues
Clowney must be the most productive $2.1 million veteran edge defender in NFL history. He continues to destroy play after play, and produced two more fumbles against Lost Angeles. Seriously, this might be Eric DeCosta’s greatest signing. Clowney’s regular major contributions are the essential component of the Ravens pass rush. And he’s holding the edge too. He plays with fire and determination. Hat’s off to Clowney.
The Lamar-Bateman Connection?
Rashod Bateman continues to get open on the tape. I’m not Bateman’s agent, but am advocating tor Monken highlighting Bateman more. Bateman can complement and enhance the threats offered by Zay Flowers, Odell, and more. Bateman gets open deep, and he gets open underneath. Use him!
Odell Beckham
Playing conditions might stink on Sunday, perhaps compromising Odell’s potential effectiveness. But I’m reiterating that he looks a lot better to me and can be that dependable underneath target Lamar needs, in addition to the other things Odell offers.
Last Ravens Observation Before Kickoff
You can see the game finally slowing down a bit for Lamar. He’s getting off of the first receiver and to his second read more confidently and with less consternation. He’s also using his eyes more often to move defenders. Some of the quarterback subtleties are finally showing up. Now if only Ronnie Stanley can keep him a bit cleaner.
