After a week of teasers from NFL insiders, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been officially ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears.
This will be the third game that Jackson has not played in after injuring his hamstring Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs. And now the Ravens, face the prospect of falling to 1-6 on the year, making their playoff chances slimmer by the week.
After a week of teasers from NFL insiders, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been officially ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears.
This will be the third game that Jackson has not played in after injuring his hamstring Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs. And now the Ravens, face the prospect of falling to 1-6 on the year, making their playoff chances slimmer by the week.
Jackson practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday and Thursday and was a “full” participant on Friday. Insiders even said earlier in the day Saturday that he was a game-time decision, but the Ravens announced in the afternoon that the two-time MVP will not give it a go on Sunday.
Injuries have been a major factor in the Ravens’ struggles this season, as the team has dealt with a string of significant setbacks to key players. Jackson, linebacker Roquan Smith, left tackle Ronnie Stanley, defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Chidobe Awuzie, and edge rusher Adisa Isaac are among those who’ve missed time. Smith is expected to return against the Bears, but Madubuike’s season is over.
Ravens Defense Has Been Bad
Even if Jackson were to return and go on a run that give Baltimore a chance at the playoffs, and then their ultimate yearly goal of a Super Bowl, he’ll need some help on defense and the other side of the ball has been atrocious.
Last year, the Ravens had a top 10 defense and were the best in the NFL at stopping the run. Things are much different now.
This is the second year for 33-year-old defensive coordinator Zach Orr, who is taking some heat for his squad’s performances as of late. The defense is ranked in the bottom quarter of NFL defense in yardage.
On Exec Says Solution is Dean Pees
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, an anonymous league executive believes the answer is the same as it was last year: bring back Dean Pees.
The 76-year-old defensive mastermind came out of retirement last season to steady the team, and even Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin credited Pees with helping to rejuvenate Baltimore’s defense.
“The Ravens have built their defensive reputation on stopping the run, especially out of their signature split-safety looks,” one head coach told Russini. “But this season, that calling card has faded. Baltimore’s struggled to consistently control the ground game, forcing them to commit more bodies to the box and lean on run pressures. They haven’t been able to take anything away, and opposing offenses are staying balanced against them.”
There were encouraging signs in their last game. The Ravens turned in their best defensive showing of the season, limiting the Los Angeles Rams to just 17 points and 241 total yards. It’s a performance they’ll hope to build on as they head into the bye.
However, a major issue remains — the turnover margin. Over the past four games, Baltimore sits at minus-8, the worst in the NFL. The offense hasn’t provided enough support for a defense that’s still trying to find its rhythm.
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