The Baltimore Ravens enter Week 10 searching for rhythm, identity, and answers.
At 3-5, they’ve been inconsistent on both sides of the football, but Sunday presents a golden opportunity to flip their season’s tone in a road test against the Minnesota Vikings and redshirt rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
A top-ten pick in 2024, McCarthy, who spent last year learning behind Sam Darnold, has handled himself well in flashes this season. He’s poised, smart with the football, and comfortable working Kevin O’Connell’s rhythm-based system.
But what he isn’t -- at least not yet -- is a quarterback who thrives when the pocket collapses. And that’s exactly where Baltimore has to attack.
Ravens' front seven is poised to play major role on Sunday
The Ravens’ defensive front hasn’t been dominant this year, but the pieces are there. Travis Jones leads the unit with 15 pressures through nine weeks, consistently generating push from the interior. Kyle Van Noy has added 11, and rookie Mike Green (10) has flashed as well.
The problem hasn’t been talent, though, it’s been finishing plays. Baltimore has too often come close without getting home, allowing quarterbacks to extend plays and neutralize their pass rush. Against McCarthy, it simply can’t happen.
Minnesota’s offense is built on rhythm. O’Connell wants to get the ball out of McCarthy’s hands quickly, feeding playmakers like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and tight end T.J. Hockenson. When the Vikings are ahead of the sticks, they can control tempo, sprinkle in designed touches for running back Aaron Jones, and take calculated deep shots off play-action.
The key for Baltimore is breaking that rhythm -- forcing Minnesota into third-and-longs and making McCarthy dissect coverage under pressure.
That’s where defensive coordinator Zach Orr has to remain creative. Expect more simulated pressures, delayed blitzes, and interior stunts designed to get Jones and company one-on-one.
The bottom line? If Baltimore can collapse the pocket early, McCarthy’s limited arm strength will show. He’s not a quarterback who will consistently burn you downfield or outside of structure, and the Ravens’ secondary -- led by Kyle Hamilton, Nate Wiggins, and rookie Malaki Starks -- has the range and instincts to capitalize on forced throws.
The ballgame, for Baltimore, is about establishing defensive identity. For years, the Ravens have built their brand around aggression and disruption up front. This season, that edge has dulled.
However, Sunday’s matchup provides the chance to bring it back against a young quarterback still learning to handle NFL pressure.
Baltimore’s front seven has to dictate the pace on Sunday -- not react to it.