Ravens: Top 5 takeaways from Week 1 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders
By Jihad Miller
The Baltimore Ravens suffered a crushing defeat to the Las Vegas Raiders. In a game where the Ravens jumped to a 14-0 lead, they would then be outscored 33-13 the rest of the way.
Plain and simple the Ravens blew this game. They had ample opportunities to finish off the Raiders but they never capitalized.
With the team hosting the Kansas City Cheifs next week at home, they need to find some answers quickly.
Regardless, here are some of the top takeaways from tonight’s game.
1. Ravens pass protection was abysmal
The Ravens’ offensive line could not protect Lamar Jackson tonight. Every time he went to drop back, he either had to step up immediately or scramble because there was a Raiders defender right in his face.
As a result, Jackson was sacked three times and fumbled twice including the costly one in overtime that sealed the game. Honestly, if it wasn’t for Jackson’s athletic ability, he would’ve been sacked at least 10 times.
According to Next Gen Stats, the Raiders pressured Lamar Jackson on 54.5 percent of his dropbacks. No offense will be successful when the quarterback is under that much pressure.
Alejandro Villanueva had a very poor game on Monday night. It seemed like every Raiders defender that lined up against him was eventually in the backfield. Maxx Crosby was the main culprit having five quarterback hits and two sacks.
Yannick Ngakoue also gave Ronnie Stanley fits. It was Stanley’s first game back since that horrible ankle injury from last season so he is still getting his feet wet. The Ravens better hope that he regains his Pro Bowl form soon.
Jackson did fumble the ball twice which led to 14 Raiders points. He has to hold on to the football. But the offensive line must also be able to protect him.
In a division that features Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt, it looks like Jackson will be running for life a lot this season.
If the offensive line doesn’t find a way to produce better protection, then the Ravens are in for a long season.