Mike Preston: One other meltdown and failure in playoff is inevitable for Ravens | Opinion



One other Ravens meltdown was inevitable. However few thought it will be in opposition to Jacksonville.

Perhaps there isn’t any bitterness left in opposition to Cincinnati, Kansas Metropolis or Buffalo, nevertheless it’s a jaguar – jaguars are 4 or seven right now.

Trevor Lawrence enters Sunday as a quarterback struggling to learn all the data on the sector. He performed many of the recreation with out main operating again Travis Etienne Jr., who departed within the first quarter with a foot harm.

Up 27-20, the Ravens ought to have put this recreation within the successful column.

However they misplaced 28-27 as Lawrence engineered a 75-yard, 10-pass drive that ended with a 10-yard landing move to Marvin Jones Jr. with 14 seconds remaining. To this, Lawrence added one other insult. Completed the game-winning 2-point conversion with a move to Zay Jones.

With the addition of central quarterback Roquan Smith, the Ravens’ defensive position has proven vital progress of their earlier two video games in opposition to New Orleans and Carolina, however Smith hasn’t performed it protected. And he did not play nook kicks. which turns into a duty It is solely a matter of time earlier than opponents reap the benefits of their lack of pace and lack of ability to cowl.

Lawrence seems to be like Tom Brady on the ultimate drive. In fourth and fifth of the Jaguars’ 30, he threw a 10-yard move to Marvin Jones for a blitz win.

He additionally made 17-yard passes from midfield for Christian Kirk and eight and 29 yards for Zay Jones earlier than a landing. Lawrence completed the sport 29-for-37 for 321 yards and three touchdowns.

The Ravens’ passing run confirmed off the Saints and Panthers, however the Jaguars neutralized it Sunday with a well-planned play that targeted on getting the ball shortly.

Weaknesses in Ravens protection have been found.

“On the whole They gave us many passes. So that is what occurred,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh stated. “Once they need to They then made just a few passes and went on the pitch.

You’ll be able to see this coming. The opposing group centered on veteran quarterback Marcus Peters because the group’s Week 2 loss to the Dolphins. Which is why he was as soon as one of many higher cornerers within the NFL, however he is bored with his lack of ability to get better when taking these possibilities.

Brandon Stephens makes higher saves than nook kicks, however the Ravens need to play him exterior as a result of rookies Jalyn Armour-Davis and Damarion Williams aren’t prepared. Marlon Humphrey is a strong defensive cornerback. However his versatility and sort out capability is best suited close to the entrance line than exterior.

Marcus Williams is protected to assist assist the backline as he returns from a wrist harm. However he did not play behind the nook both. The Ravens have been and can stay fragile within the secondary. Particularly when their passes do not attain the defenders.

“We lacked enthusiasm there,” Ravens defensive again Justin Houston stated. “Lack of communication, little issues — I believe that is what it is advisable do to play an entire recreation. It’s important to do 4 out of 4, not three, and we did not do 4 out of 4.

“You simply be taught from it. I do not assume you are down It must be an impetus to maneuver ahead. That is all that issues. we be part of the dance [playoffs]We’ll shake one thing. Good. Like I stated. It hurts increasingly we’re nonetheless studying We’re nonetheless discovering issues out.”

The offense might help defend by making extra passes and touchdowns as an alternative of kicking 4 objectives. Quarterback Lamar Jackson also needs to be a giant assist. If he does not knock down a receiver for 2 touchdowns, one fouls Josh Oliver and the opposite fouls DeMarcus Robinson.

However it is a group that has been recognized to defend for the previous 20 years.

it is inevitable

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