Intriguing Game- Week Six
Baltimore Ravens at New York Giants
Ravens: Entering the game against the Cincinnati Bengals, I was asked how they could fix their issue on defense because it’s been a mess this year. The secondary which was a main issue a season ago is still having the same problems and they were struggling to rush the passer. My answer to that question was they needed to simplify the game and most importantly, communicate with each other because no defense can be successful without being on the same page. Against the Bengals, I saw a lot of zone looks on 1 side of the field and they played man coverage on Ja’Marr Chase and did a great job of keeping him in check. The Ravens also got a few sacks on Joe Burrow. There’s an issue with the Baltimore offense that concerns me and it’s the lack of depth at Wide Receiver. I understand Rashod Bateman has been Lamar Jackson’s top receiving option behind Mark Andrews. I look at it as if you double and limit Mark, who can Lamar depend on in the passing game? All the great Quarterbacks have that option of go-to receivers. I feel the Ravens need a possession receiver. Also, put Lamar in a better position to succeed. I feel the Ravens depend on him to bail them out each time. Put more around him! The Ravens return back to MetLife on Sunday afternoon.
Giants: It wasn’t pretty in London, but a win is a win, nonetheless. I’ve been raving about their improvements this season and I can’t believe I forgot to mention this: The Giants have been in each and every game this year. Once again, if this is years back with all those other Head Coaches, they quit. You don’t get that vibe from Brian Daboll. He has made them confident and made that locker room believe in themselves. The game against the Green Bay Packers was easily the best I’ve seen Daniel Jones look since coming into the league. I understand he didn’t throw a touchdown pass but look at the numbers. He completed 21 of his 27 pass attempts for 217 yards passing and he didn’t turn the football over which is what I’m getting at. The Giants identity is running the football and I’m enjoying the fact they’re building this offense around Saquon Barkley. With a straight face after week five, did you think they’d be 4-1 and in a 3-team race in their division with the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys who they fell too back in week 3? That’s the NFL and expecting the unexpected as I always say. They return home for an interconference showdown on Sunday in week 6.
Ravens X-Factor: J.K. Dobbins– He’s such a difference maker for this offense. I’ve been watching him since his days at Ohio State. J.K. All Day as the energetic commentator, Gus Johnson would refer to him as. He’s such a strong and balanced runner. As solid as the Giants have been this year defensively, they have struggled against the run. Look for the Ravens to try and unleash number 27.
Giants X-Factor: Kayvon Thibodeaux– Alright rook, it’s your time. His game amazes me and this goes back to his college days. Kayvon is decisive and aggressive in his approach on the field. His release off the snap of the football is what amazes people about him. He also plays with great footwork and poise. Expect him to help contain Lamar on Sunday. I also expect him to record his first sack in the NFL in this game as well.
Final Thoughts: Both of these teams fought to win their matchups last week. This is the 2nd career meeting between Daniel Jones and Lamar Jackson. This is also a reunion game. The Giants’ Defensive Coordinator, Don “Wink” Martindale was the Ravens’ Defensive Coordinator a season. He knows just exactly what the Baltimore offense wants to do. Look for the Giants to double Mark Andrews and force Lamar to beat them by getting the ball to another weapon. The key for the Ravens will be to contain Saquon. Force the Giants to attack you with that passing game which isn’t the strongest. I’m expecting this to be a hard-hitting and physical showdown.
Prediction: Ravens 24, Giants 17
