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3 questions facing Ravens as they get set to host Cardinals

By Chris Schisler

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 15: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball in the first half of a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at M&T Bank Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 15: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball in the first half of a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at M&T Bank Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 08: Matt Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after sacking Josh Rosen #3 of the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter of the game at Hard Rock Stadium on September 8, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 08: Matt Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after sacking Josh Rosen #3 of the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter of the game at Hard Rock Stadium on September 8, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /

2. Can the pass rush take over a game?

The defense should have plenty of chances to get to Kyler Murray, who threw the ball 54 times in the season opener. Murray was sacked five times against the Lions, the Ravens need to show that they can get the same kind of work done defensively. The Ravens pass rush is a question that has loomed over them ever since Terrell Suggs and Za’Darius Smith went to other teams. The Ravens had three sacks against the Dolphins, yet one came on a blitz. Can the outside linebackers take over a game?

If pass rush is a concern after this game, Don Martindale has a problem facing his defense. They are playing an “Air raid” offense. The Ravens have an entire game to worry about almost nothing but a passing attack. The Ravens are going to get a good glimpse at their pass rushers in this game and they better deliver.

light. Related Story. Ravens vs. Cardinals: Fantasy Football preview

The Detroit Lions aren’t supposed to be a defensive powerhouse. They forced five sacks and an interception against the Cardinals. The Ravens actually are supposed to be a defensive power. They have to put on a clinic in this game. The Cardinals pass happy offense gives Baltimore a rare chance to pad their quarterback pressure statistics.

Matt Judon better show up. Pernell McPhee better make an impact. Tim Williams and Tyus Bowser have to get into the box score. We don’t know if their pass rush is the real deal yet. This game is going to tell them the answer, one way or the other.

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