Brandon Staley’s defense looks to stifle Baltimore’s ground game as analysts predict a surprisingly quiet rushing performance from the dual-threat quarterback against a disciplined New Orleans secondary.
The New Orleans Saints are looking to rebound after a tough loss last week to the Detroit Lions. 31-30. The Saints fell in overtime despite playing well enough to win the game. Some believed the result came due to controversial calls or non-calls.
The Saints' next opponent presents an opportunity to prove that their performance last week was no fluke and that they can duplicate that level of play over the course of a 17-game season. A win this week would inspire plenty of confidence.
The Saints' next opponent is the Baltimore Ravens led by star quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson, known for his dual threat running and passing ability is viewed as someone who could take the game over with the run this week. One analyst does not seem to agree with that sentiment.
ESPN NFL analyst Ben Solak seems reasonably confident that Jackson will rush for less than 40 yards this weekend. Here's some of what he had to say on that contention.
"(Lamar Jackson) is healthy this season, as 16-yard and 19-yard scrambles in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts indicate. Jackson ended the day with 40 rushing yards on seven carries (after losing three yards on three kneels).
New offensive coordinator Declan Doyle put Jackson under center more than Todd Monken and Greg Roman had previously. Under-center alignments limit the opportunity for designed QB run plays, like read options. Jackson's lone designed carry against the Colts was a second-and-goal play from the 5-yard line. Though Jackson is still dangerous on a scramble, if he's only going to get designed carries in short-yardage or goal-line situations, his potential for high-yardage days will be capped.
I expect the New Orleans Saints and Brandon Staley's zone-heavy defense to keep much better eyes on Jackson in the scramble drill than the Colts' man-heavy approach afforded. I'll also be looking for an under on Jackson's longest rush (later), but I (have him rushing for less than 40 yards)."
Nov 7, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) scrambles away from New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) and safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY SportsIn all honesty, Jackson could probably cross 40 yards rushing with one play. The Saints know all too well of how a play could quickly go south for the New Orleans defense against Jackson.
The fact that the Saints know what he's capable of plays in their favor. Expect the New Orleans defense to lock in to stop Jackson on this weekend. We'll see if the Saints can do enough to limit Jackson when they take the field for the big matchup.
