Facing the Baltimore Ravens brings a unique set of challenges for any NFL defense, but when that offense is driven by two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, the task becomes even more daunting. Jackson, often hailed as the best dual-threat quarterback in the league and possibly in NFL history, has a track record that justifies the praise he receives.
In his 2023 season, Jackson showcased his exceptional talent by recording 26 touchdowns against just eight interceptions. His impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio ranks fourth-best in the NFL during that period. Beyond his aerial prowess, Jackson has consistently been a threat on the ground, accumulating over 750 rushing yards in each of his first five NFL seasons from 2019 to 2023. These accomplishments solidify Jackson’s reputation as one of the most versatile and dangerous quarterbacks in NFL history.
The Ravens’ backfield also features Derrick Henry, whose presence on the field evokes a unique sense of urgency and focus in every opponent. Henry’s power running style and ability to dominate defenses consistently force teams to adopt a tougher mindset. Micah Parsons, one of the league's top defensive talents, spoke to this challenge by stating, "Toughness. Step up. Ain't no other choice. Derrick Henry's going to come downhill, like it or not. So it's not like a matter of are you going to stop it. It's just, are you going to do it or not. I know I'm ready for the matchup."
On the defensive side of the ball, the Dallas Cowboys have their own standout players. Parsons, a force to be reckoned with on the field, has 14 quarterback pressures, the third-most in the NFL. His ability to disrupt offensive plays is evident, yet he faces significant challenges himself. In 2023, Parsons was double-teamed on 35% of his pass-rush plays, the highest percentage in the league among edge rushers. Despite these obstacles, Parsons remains confident and undeterred, emphasizing the importance of a collective tough mindset, "At some point, all 11 [on the field] got to have the same mindset, and that's just toughness."
However, not all of the Cowboys' defensive players have shined equally. Osa Odighizuwa's defensive grade is 45.6, placing him 91st out of 115 defensive tackles. Similarly, Mazi Smith, Linval Joseph, and Jordan Phillips have grades of 28.9, 31.7, and 29.6 respectively. These figures point to areas needing improvement if the Cowboys are to fortify their defensive front against high-caliber offensive units.
Further complicating the Cowboys' challenges, Alvin Kamara recently demonstrated his explosive capabilities against them. In a recent game, Kamara rushed for 115 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries, amassing a total of 180 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns. His performance underscores the potency of top-tier running backs and the necessity for defenses to stay vigilant and adaptive.
The balancing act of maximizing player utilization without overextending their roles is a constant theme in team strategies. Mike Zimmer reflected on this delicate balance, remarking, "Maybe I tried to use him a little bit more in a lot of different things... It may have affected some of the other players and asked them to do too many things this week." This insight highlights the intricate dynamics of team coordination and the ripple effects of tactical decisions.
As the NFL season progresses, teams continue to navigate these complexities, adapting and evolving in response to the challenges posed by elite players like Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Alvin Kamara. Maintaining a rigorous standard of performance, particularly against high-stakes opponents, remains a focal point for every team vying for success in the league.