Ravens: Depleted front-seven faces difficult task in Week 3
By Kristen Wong
No team this season has been hit harder by injuries and COVID-19 than the Baltimore Ravens, and they’ll enter Week 3 with a depleted front-seven on defense.
The Minnesota Vikings did have that preseason scare, but given the Ravens’ injury-plagued roster, we think Baltimore wins this one.
Four Ravens defenders were placed on the COVID-19 list on Friday: Brandon Williams, Justin Madubuike, Justin Houston, and Jaylon Ferguson. Along with their COVID-19 losses, the Ravens will also be without Derek Wolfe due to a lingering injury.
Right now, the Ravens’ injured and COVID-19 lists look more and more like a never-ending Costco receipt, but luckily they’ll face an easier matchup against Detroit on Sunday.
The Baltimore Ravens front-seven depth will be put to the test this Sunday
Then again, the Lions’ offensive line looks slightly more fortified this year (as compared to last year’s unit) and could present some problems in what should be an easy win for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.
Big question defensively for Ravens today is how their defensive front will hold up with the COVID/injury absences.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) September 26, 2021
Ravens without 2 OLBs and 3 of their top four IDL (B.Williams, Wolfe, Madubuike). Lions have a pretty good OL and rely heavily on backs and TE.
The Ravens’ defensive line will consist of a rag-tag group featuring the likes of Calais Campbell, Justin Ellis, and Broderick Washington, while their pass-rushing unit will rely heavily on Tyus Bowser, Odafe Oweh, and Daelin Hayes.
Baltimore missed 19 tackles through their first two games, which is tied for the third-worst mark in the NFL, so they’ll be looking to improve their defense this game.
Next. 4 players who must step up in light of COVID-19 absences. dark
Tune in to the game this afternoon to see how Baltimore’s ravaged roster fares against the Lions’ offense.