Ravens Offensive Line:
The Ravens offense ran for 144 yards last week and is presently averaging 160 a game for the year. Although they ran at a rate of 4.5 yards per carry that was mainly boosted by Lamar Jackson‘s output. Actually, if you remove Jackson’s 50-yard touchdown run the running game really struggled for the day.
What’s shocking is that the team only allowed one sack but, the team struggled to provide Jackson with protection. The team threw their first two interceptions and against a better team, this win would’ve been much harder to come by. With a new offensive line meshing, this could just be early-season struggles, but thus far the rushing game hasn’t been up to par even though we drafted running back J.K. Dobbins in the second round.
The line is presently consisting of one first-round pick, two thirds, a seventh, and an undrafted player. Although this combination isn’t highly regarded, they were expected to find success like last year. Unfortunately, the loss of Marshal Yanda is really affecting the team. The lineman currently playing the best might be free agent pickup and backup D.J. Fluker. He has subbed in at both tackle spots and succeeded although he was expected to be a guard. Tackle Ronnie Stanley has been dealing with an injury off and on and center Matt Skura is still recovering from injury.
Hopefully moving forward the line will get healthy and mesh. With a young and inexperienced interior, they could come together to form a wall for the running backs and Jackson. But, until then we may have to see a new combination on the line in order to win playoff games. As the season moves forward we will see if they can improve. The Bengals defensive line is deep and talented; next week will be a great test.