The Baltimore Ravens have some pretty tough defensive players to get past in the 2017 season. Here are five defensive superstars that will test Joe Flacco and the offense.
The offensive attack of the Baltimore Ravens isn’t supposed to be a strength. Joe Flacco is coming off a couple of frustrating years. The offensive line lacks certainty. Even after signing Jeremy Maclin, the Ravens offense doesn’t have a surplus of established stars. The Ravens offense could be better than people think though. Flacco could have a rebound season with a big season from Maclin and a breakout year for Breshad Perriman. If Baltimore gets back to running the football with authority, they will have a chance to exceed expectations. Here are the five toughest impediments the offense must face in 2017:
1. J.J. Watt DE, (Houston Texans)
I’m not sure who the coolest person on the planet is; I think it’s between Justin Tucker and J.J. Watt. Watt is one of those players who kicks butt at life and in football. The Ravens should be concerned about Watt when they play the Houston Texans. Watt may be a gentle giant off the field, but he is a beast on it.
Watt spent most of the 2016 season on the sidelines, dealing with an injury. This could mean that Watt is determined to have a bounce back year. Watt has 76 sacks in his six seasons of NFL experience. It’s incredible to note that this is despite only having 1.5 sacks last season. In the two seasons prior to last season, Watt had a total of 38 sacks. When he’s healthy Watt is the leader of a defense that has other weapons to get after the quarterback with. The offensive line’s biggest test will be this game.
The Ravens will have to devise a game plan that works around Watt. There are few players that can make this big of an impact as a 3-4 defensive end. Watt is one of a kind. If the Ravens let him, he will take over the week 12 game.