Even with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback, it would be easy for the Baltimore Ravens to go into Monday's game against the 0-8 Los Angeles Chargers expecting a win. Again, they're playing a winless team. However, the Ravens can't be complacent. Their season is hanging on by a thread at 4-5. For this team to make the playoffs, they must be nearly flawless down the stretch.
And the Chargers aren't your typical 0-8 squad; they were widely considered a playoff squad before the year. Obviously, things haven't gone as planned, but they provide a worthy challenge to the Ravens, especially with Brissett, not Lamar Jackson under center.
With that in mind, let's dive into three players the Ravens can't afford to underestimate.
Khalil Mack can cause problems for a weak Baltimore Ravens' offensive line
Khalil Mack has been a bright spot in a very bleak Chargers season. Despite his advanced age of 35, Mack has recorded three sacks and has generally been disruptive as a pass rusher. For a Ravens team that has struggled in pass protection all season, that should be a terrifying sight.
Roger Rosengarten will primarily be tasked with keeping Mack in check. Rosengarten is looking to redeem himself after a poor showing two weeks ago against Greg Rousseau. While Brissett has experience dealing with pressure, to make his life easier and help the Ravens' offense get going, the pass protection needs to be on point.
The Ravens' success in pass protection won't solely come down to limiting Mack, but he's certainly the toughest assignment.
The Baltimore Ravens can't write off Justin Herbert
Look, I get it, Justin Herbert has been flat-out awful this season. He almost has double the number of interceptions (11) to touchdowns (6) and has been horribly inaccurate. Still, Herbert was considered a top-10-level QB before the season. In other words, he's not a scrub.
A factor in Herbert's struggles is the Chargers' poor pass protection is that they've given up the second most sacks in the league. As such, the Ravens' pass rush needs to bring the heat, something they haven't done consistently enough this season. Furthermore, the Ravens' secondary has given up a lot of big plays, and this can't continue if they're going to take care of business on Monday.
On the surface level, a matchup with the Chargers is exactly what the Ravens' defense needs to bounce back. Regardless, if the defense isn't locked in, things could get dicey.
Quentin Johnston isn't an easy matchup for the Baltimore Ravens' secondary
Alright, before you laugh out loud, hear me out on this one. The Ravens have struggled to contain bigger receivers and have been prone to giving up explosive plays all season, especially during their four-game losing streak. Marlon Humphrey and Malaki Starks have both been particularly prone to lapses in coverage. Overall, Baltimore ranks 23rd in passing yards allowed per game. Simply put, the secondary is a liability.
Quentin Johnston hasn't been super productive, recording 260 yards and a touchdown this season. However, at 6-foot-2, 208 pounds, Johnston is the type of big receiver that can give a weak Ravens' secondary a headache. Plus, in the past two weeks, Johnston has been showing some signs of life. He recorded 58 yards and a touchdown last week and 37 yards the week prior.
To maximize their chances of winning, the Ravens must limit LA's explosive plays, and that starts with limiting Johnston.
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