3 things Baltimore Ravens must focus on after tight win over Bills

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 8: Trent Murphy #93 of the Buffalo Bills dives to try and make a tackle on Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens as he throws a pass during the second half at New Era Field on December 8, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Baltimore beats Buffalo 24 to 17. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 8: Trent Murphy #93 of the Buffalo Bills dives to try and make a tackle on Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens as he throws a pass during the second half at New Era Field on December 8, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Baltimore beats Buffalo 24 to 17. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 08: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens attempts to handle the ball during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills in the game at New Era Field on December 08, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 08: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens attempts to handle the ball during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills in the game at New Era Field on December 08, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

2. Snapping troubles:

The Ravens lost Matt Skura for the season. The Ravens saw this finally start to hurt them against the Buffalo Bills. There were several plays in which the snap from Patrick Mekari was off the mark to Lamar Jackson. On one play in Bills’ territory a bad snap forced an awkward hand-off to Justice Hill. That could have been a drive where the Ravens scored a touchdown. Instead it was another frustrating moment. Things just weren’t clicking and Mekari’s snaps were one thing that contributed to that.

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The Ravens have a rookie who was an undrafted free agent rookie playing at center. Considering how formidable the Bills defense is, he did okay from a blocking perspective. Mekari is good enough to keep the offensive line strong, he just has to avoid these mistakes getting the ball to Jackson. The Ravens operate most of their offense from pistol and shotgun formations. This makes consistency at the center position incredibly important.

The Ravens need to get Mekari a exorbitant amount of practice at snapping the football. Mekari has a lot on his plate, so this boils down to confidence and muscle memory. Remember, Mekari has gotten less than two full games at the center position. This is something that the Ravens can work on with their young center. This made a big difference in the battle with the Bills.

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