A closer look at the upcoming NFL Week 12 matchup between the Jets and the Ravens in Baltimore:
Key Matchup
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson vs. Jets Defensive Front
Jackson, a two-time MVP, currently holds the highest passer rating in the NFL at 115.5; however, he’s had a challenging season. He missed three games due to a hamstring injury and hasn’t quite been at his best since returning.
Recently, he sat out Wednesday’s practice because of an ankle issue, following a prior week where he missed time due to a knee injury.
Jackson remarked, “I think it’s just part of football. But I’m fine.”
The Jets recognize that Jackson is the core of the Ravens’ offense, even if he’s not fully healthy. Last week, they had difficulty containing Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, who threw for 271 yards against them in their loss. Notably, Maye hasn’t thrown a single interception this season, marking a unique streak in the Super Bowl era.
Jets coach Aaron Glenn commented on Jackson’s impact, saying, “That’s what he is. Even if he doesn’t look like me, he still seems like a pretty nice guy. He’s going to be a challenge, just like any other player. We have to play tight defense to keep him under control.”
This game will mark the return of cornerback Azalie Thomas, who was absent last week, providing a crucial test for the altered secondary after Sauce Gardner’s departure. Brandon Stevens has been performing well but will now need to contain Zay Flowers back in Baltimore.
Recent Developments
Fresh Faces: One reason the Jets have switched up quarterbacks is to better assess their wide receivers’ potential. Earlier, under quarterback Justin Fields, the offense lacked coherence, making it tough to judge other players.
They’ve been integrating new receivers Adonai Mitchell and John Metchie III, both acquired before the trade deadline.
In their recent game against New England, Metchie scored a touchdown, while Mitchell demonstrated promise despite facing two key drops.
This coming week, Mitchell could have a more significant impact as he has more time to acclimatize to the system and quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
Offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand noted, “I thought both of them came in and absorbed the game plan and did a great job. We focus on the current week’s install, rather than overwhelming them with the full playbook. They’ve really handled it well.”
Another Threat: Lamar Jackson isn’t the sole offensive powerhouse for the Ravens. Derrick Henry remains one of the league’s top running backs, delivering impressive stats despite not matching his previous year’s performance where he nearly reached 2,000 rushing yards and led the league with 16 touchdowns.
Currently, he has accrued 807 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
Jets defensive tackle Harrison Phillips acknowledged the duo’s effectiveness: “There’s a reason you’re MVP, there’s a reason you win the rushing record every other year. They really are a formidable one-two punch. You have to strategize around both.”
A Streak of Woes: Should the Jets lose on Sunday, it would extend their losing streak to ten games. Their last win was back in 2015 when they finished with a record of 10-6. They’ll then find themselves grouping with teams that experienced similar 10-plus game losing streaks.
If they sit at a 2-9 record, it would mark their worst start after 11 games since 2020 when they began 0-11, ultimately finishing 2-14.
Stability Upfront: One bright spot for the Jets has been their offensive line, which has featured the same starting five throughout the season. Although they lost guard Alijah Vera-Tucker before the season started, they’ve managed to avoid significant injuries since.
Engstrand reflected, “We’re in a good place this year health-wise up front. A lot of that is due to the continuity of having the same five playing every game. They are continuing to improve, showing the physicality we want to see from our offensive line.”
Prediction
The Jets have historically struggled against the Ravens, holding a 2-10 record and never having won in Baltimore, losing all six games played there. The last victory in Baltimore was back on December 4, 1983.
The Ravens are currently on a roll, seeking their fifth consecutive win.
Ravens 35, Jets 17
