Oct 12, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Marshal Yanda likely knew that he was going to have to continue his stellar play against the Bucs in week six, and perhaps even play better than he had in previous weeks.
With two rookies starting along the Raven’s offensive line Sunday, including struggling left tackle James Hurst, the veteran guard was going to have to pick up some slack. And he did exactly that, putting in his best performance of what has been a stellar season.
Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is easily the Bucs best defensive player and he has been one of the lone bright spots on a defense that has been largely over matched through six weeks of the season.
McCoy is the number one rated 3-4 defensive tackle/nose tackle in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus, which is amazing considering how bad the Bucs are. He has racked up 2 sacks, 5 hits, and 9 hurries through six games. And Sunday was his worst game of the season so far as the Raven’s o-line completely shut him down.
McCoy managed one hurry, zero sacks, and zero hits on Joe Flacco Sunday. The Ravens, especially Yanda, essentially rendered him a non factor.
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Yanda went on to received his highest grade of the season from PFF and allowed a mere one hit on Joe Flacco with zero sacks and zero hurries. Yanda also dominated in the run game, as the Ravens managed 6.4 yards per carry when running off right guard.
Marshal Yanda has easily regained his dominant form in 2014 after an injury laden 2013, and he continues to get better each week as the Raven’s offense grows and improves.
While the Bucs don’t exactly possess a fearsome defensive front, the fact that they were able to shut out one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL is a clear indication that this offensive line is easily one of the best in the league. And through six games, Marshal Yanda has been the best guard in the NFL.