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Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was absent from practice Thursday in Owings Mills with an illness, according to the injury report. It’s the first time he hasn’t been on the field this season, including training camp. Jackson’s absence comes four days before the Ravens (9-3) host the red-hot Los Angeles Rams (6-6), winners of three straight. Baltimore, meanwhile, is coming off a bye week. With wide receiver Rashod Bateman returning to the field Thursday after being out with an illness the day before, Jackson was the only player absent. Jackson did practice and meet with the media Wednesday and appeared to be fine, but backup Tyler Huntley and third-string veteran Josh Johnson took the practice reps Thursday in his absence. “I just kind of took a break from focusing on football with us,” Jackson said Wednesday of how he spent the week off. “When I got back, today [and] yesterday, I believe our team is just locked in because we know what’s ahead of us, we know what got us here, [and] we know what this team wants. I believe we know what we’re chasing.” Jackson, who signed a five-year, $260 million contract extension in April that made him the third-highest-paid quarterback in the NFL, has missed 11 games over the past two seasons. He missed the final four games in 2021 with a bone bruise in his ankle and the final six last year, including a wild-card-round loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, with a PCL sprain in his knee. Jackson also missed a game in November 2021 against the Chicago Bears with an illness. The Ravens are tied with the Miami Dolphins for the best record in the AFC and Jackson is a candidate for his second NFL Most Valuable Player Award after being the unanimous MVP in 2019. He has thrown for 2,618 yards with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions while rushing for 574 yards and five scores. Huntley, a Pro Bowl alternate last season because of an injury to Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen, is 3-5 in eight starts with the Ravens since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2020. In 18 games, the 25-year-old has thrown for 1,792 yards with six touchdowns and seven interceptions while rushing for 470 yards and three scores. He started against the Rams for an injured Jackson on Jan. 2, 2022, helping Baltimore nearly pull off an upset in a 20-19 loss to the eventual Super Bowl champions. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, who leads the Ravens with 10 sacks, was a full participant Thursday for the first time since suffering a concussion in a Week 12 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Bateman also practiced fully, while linebacker Malik Harrison (groin) was limited for the second straight day. The Rams got back two players in defensive back Quentin Lake (hamstring) and outside linebacker Byron Young (knee), who were limited Thursday. Wide receiver Puka Nacua, who leads all rookies with 77 catches and 1,029 receiving yards, was a full participant after being limited Wednesday. Tight end Tyler Higbee (neck) and outside linebacker Michael Hoecht (knee) were absent for the second straight day. View the full article
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Here’s how The Baltimore Sun sports staff views the outcome of Sunday’s Week 14 game between the Ravens (9-3) and the Los Angeles Rams (6-6) at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. Brian Wacker, reporter Ravens 20, Rams 17: This one could be a slopfest based on a weather forecast that at least for now includes rain and high winds. Baltimore also faces a surging Rams team that has won three straight and features one of the game’s best pass rushers in Aaron Donald. Expect a heavy dose of running, with the Ravens leaning on Gus Edwards and Keaton Mitchell to win a close one. Mike Preston, columnist Ravens 30, Rams 23: The Rams have won three straight to remain in playoff contention but that streak will come to an end against the Ravens, who are coming off a bye and have had two weeks to prepare and get some injured players healed. The Ravens usually come out strong early in games but it will be interesting to see if there is some rust. Plus, the game starts at 1 p.m., and that’s a major disadvantage for West Coast teams. Childs Walker, reporter Ravens 27, Rams 17: Can the Ravens continue their pattern of blowing out mid-tier NFC contenders at home? The Rams, with an efficient running game and stars in Matthew Stafford and Aaron Donald, are no pushovers. But the Ravens have the defense and running game to beat them down over four quarters, especially given their rest advantage. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | With Marlon Humphrey back, Ravens CB Rock Ya-Sin a healthy scratch vs. Rams Baltimore Ravens | Storms are expected in Baltimore during Sunday’s Ravens game. Here’s how to get there without the light rail. Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco or rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start for Browns in crucial game vs. Jaguars Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson returns to practice Friday ‘recovered’ from illness; former LB Josh Bynes retires Baltimore Ravens | ‘Welcomed to be themselves,’ late additions lift Ravens defense to unforeseen heights C.J. Doon, editor Ravens 27, Rams 19: I picked both the Lions and Seahawks to come into Baltimore and beat the Ravens, and they were outscored a combined 75-9. So, lesson learned. As tempting as it is to pick an upset given the Rams’ recent surge, Lamar Jackson is 18-3 in his career against NFC teams. I’m not betting against that, nor a John Harbaugh-coached team coming off a bye. Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua will not fare as well as they did against a Browns defense missing top cornerback Denzel Ward. Tim Schwartz, editor Rams 27, Ravens 24: The Rams are red-hot and finding their groove, and they need this win to solidify their playoff positioning in a crowded NFC. The return of Marlon Humphrey helps, but this feels like a matchup that favors the Rams. Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp are a dynamic duo that will feast on the back end of the Ravens defense. Baltimore can win this game if it runs the ball well, but can Tyler Linderbaum slow down Aaron Donald? That’s a tall task, even for a potential All-Pro. My gut says the Ravens will revert to some bad habits and find a way to lose. View the full article
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Baltimore Sun staff writers pick every game of the NFL season. Here’s who they have winning in Week 14: New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers (Thursday, 8:15 p.m.) Brian Wacker (123-70 season; 9-4 last week): Steelers Childs Walker (125-68 season; 9-4 last week): Steelers Mike Preston (114-79 season; 8-5 last week): Steelers C.J. Doon (127-66 season; 7-6 last week): Patriots Tim Schwartz (118-75 season; 10-3 last week): Steelers Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Lions Walker: Lions Preston: Lions Doon: Lions Schwartz: Lions Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Jaguars Walker: Browns Preston: Browns Doon: Browns Schwartz: Jaguars Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Saints Walker: Saints Preston: Saints Doon: Saints Schwartz: Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Buccaneers Walker: Falcons Preston: Buccaneers Doon: Buccaneers Schwartz: Falcons Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | With Marlon Humphrey back, Ravens CB Rock Ya-Sin a healthy scratch vs. Rams Baltimore Ravens | Storms are expected in Baltimore during Sunday’s Ravens game. Here’s how to get there without the light rail. Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco or rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start for Browns in crucial game vs. Jaguars Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson returns to practice Friday ‘recovered’ from illness; former LB Josh Bynes retires Baltimore Ravens | ‘Welcomed to be themselves,’ late additions lift Ravens defense to unforeseen heights Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Bengals Walker: Colts Preston: Bengals Doon: Bengals Schwartz: Colts Houston Texans at New York Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Texans Walker: Texans Preston: Texans Doon: Texans Schwartz: Texans Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m.) Wacker: 49ers Walker: 49ers Preston: 49ers Doon: 49ers Schwartz: 49ers Minnesota Vikings at Las Vegas Raiders (Sunday, 4:05 p.m.) Wacker: Vikings Walker: Vikings Preston: Raiders Doon: Raiders Schwartz: Raiders Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) Wacker: Chargers Walker: Chargers Preston: Broncos Doon: Broncos Schwartz: Broncos Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) Wacker: Chiefs Walker: Chiefs Preston: Chiefs Doon: Bills Schwartz: Chiefs Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys (Sunday, 8:20 p.m.) Wacker: Eagles Walker: Eagles Preston: Eagles Doon: Cowboys Schwartz: Eagles Green Bay Packers at New York Giants (Monday, 8:15 p.m.) Wacker: Packers Walker: Packers Preston: Packers Doon: Packers Schwartz: Packers Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins (Monday, 8:15 p.m.) Wacker: Dolphins Walker: Dolphins Preston: Dolphins Doon: Dolphins Schwartz: Dolphins View the full article
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Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston will answer fans’ questions throughout the Ravens season. Coming off Baltimore’s Week 13 bye, plenty of questions remain heading into a Week 14 matchup against the visiting Los Angeles Rams. Here’s Preston’s take: (Editor’s note: Questions have been edited for length and clarity.) Mike, you recently wrote that the Ravens should run the ball to improve the offense’s consistency. But don’t you have a concern that once the playoffs begin, their opponents will force Lamar Jackson to beat them with his passing abilities? Setting up the same scenario as Lamar’s first playoff game against the Chargers? — John S, Hagerstown That’s a good question John, but the major difference compared with previous seasons is that the Ravens have the No. 2 ranked defense in the NFL, allowing 273.9 yards per game. I’m old school, and believe a team should play to its strengths. Right now, the Ravens are ranked No. 1 in rushing offense, averaging 158.6 yards per game. If they can play ball control and continue to dominate on defense, that’s the winning formula. Jackson is a great athlete and runner, but his ball security and inaccuracy can be detrimental, especially in big games. If the Ravens fall behind early and have to play in a shootout, their chance of winning decreases significantly because the offensive line, especially the tackles, struggle in pass protection and Jackson is inaccurate throwing deep, passing outside the numbers and reading defenses. So, with all that said, it makes sense for the Ravens to play to their strengths of running the ball and playing great defense. If that fails, they could be in trouble, but I like their chances this season compared with previous years. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Lamar Jackson for NFL MVP? Brock Purdy? Forget that, it should be Tyreek Hill | COMMENTARY Has there been a rule change in the NFL in regards to assisting a runner? I was under the impression that assisting the runner was a penalty. We see so many lineman pushing the runner forward after being engaged with a tackler. I have even seen a blocker grab a runner’s arm and jersey to move them forward. Those pileups look like a game of rugby. It’s only a matter of time before there is a serious injury that could have been avoided if they followed the rules. — Bernie Piet, Towson I agree with you. I’d like to see the officials start blowing the whistle a little earlier because these linemen assisting the running backs are making a mockery of the game. Bernie, you are correct. It’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt, especially the ball carriers with all that weight on their back and shoulders. Helping or assisting the runner used to be illegal, but the rule changed in 2006. I don’t like the “Brotherly Shove” quarterback sneak used by the Philadelphia Eagles, either. As I’ve stated before, what is the advantage for defensive linemen putting up a wall when a quarterback gets assisted by the running backs or an offensive lineman playing fullback (see the Cleveland Browns)? Can you please explain why the Ravens offense fails/refuses to use Pat Ricard in short yardage and goal line situations be it via the run or pass? Those would seem to be prime opportunities for a 300-pound fullback. What am I missing? — Charles Williams I don’t see much use in having Ricard in goal line situations as a receiver unless the Ravens have used him consistently as a lead blocker throughout the game. Then, he could leak out for a surprise catch. I’ve seen the Ravens use Ricard several ways, such as a lead blocker, tight end and H-back. Part of the problem might be the injury to tight end Mark Andrews. He was the best blocker at his position on the team, but the Ravens have had to use Ricard part-time as a tight end to chip block on defensive ends or pull on “wham” blocks at the line of scrimmage. I understand what you’re saying, but I don’t see the Ravens being so dominant run blocking that they can dictate terms. The element of surprise is a good thing, and this team needs that, especially with the speed on the outside with Jackson and rookie running back Keaton Mitchell. Baltimore Ravens Training CampKim Hairston/Baltimore SunRavens left tackle Ronnie Stanley looks on during training camp at the Under Armour Performance Center. (Kim Hairston/Staff) In your opinion, what areas do the Ravens need work? And which players have underperformed so far this season? — Ed Helinski I am concerned about the offensive line, particularly the play of the tackles, especially in pass protection. The Ravens have a good short-to-intermediate passing game, but are vertically challenged. I think the Ravens have been good in the secondary, but I don’t know if they have been seriously tested by a quality quarterback and good group of receivers. Underachievers? Left tackle Ronnie Stanley has struggled since early in the season and it will be interesting to see what the Ravens do with that position in the offseason. Right tackle Morgan Moses has had problems with speed rushers to the outside for the past two seasons. I expected more out of third-year receiver Rashod Bateman, but rookie Zay Flowers has made up for his shortcomings. Veteran wideout Odell Beckham Jr. has played as expected. Some fans thought he was going to light up the field, but I thought he was more of a complementary player than a standout at age 31. You feel sorry for running back J.K. Dobbins, who tore his Achilles tendon in the first game of the season, but I didn’t see the explosion from him in the preseason that he once had as a rookie. On defense, a lot of the underperforming players have been injured. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey and safety Marcus Williams have missed substantial time because of injuries, but Williams’ desire to play while hurt says a lot about his character. The Ravens haven’t gotten much from young pass rushers David Ojabo and Odafe Oweh, and that has to be a concern for coach John Harbaugh and the team’s front office. And then there is the case of outside linebacker Tyus Bowser, who was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list to start the season and has been missing ever since. Have a question for Mike Preston? Email sports@baltsun.com with “Ravens mailbag” in the subject line and it could be answered in The Baltimore Sun. View the full article
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The Ravens hold a two-game lead in the AFC North coming off their bye week. The Rams beat the Cleveland Browns, 36-19. Who will have the advantage when they meet Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium? Ravens passing game vs. Rams pass defense Lamar Jackson started hot but ultimately struggled against pressure in his first full game without his favorite target, tight end Mark Andrews. Isaiah Likely filled in effectively for Andrews, leading the team with 40 receiving yards and showing off how dynamic he can be after the catch. But it’s an open question whom Jackson will target in tight spots against the more dangerous opponents the Ravens will face over the next five weeks. Five receivers caught at least two passes against the Chargers, but no one caught more than five or reached even 50 yards. Rookie Zay Flowers leads the team in targets, catches and receiving yards. Former Ram Odell Beckham Jr. has come on lately with 13 catches for 246 yards and two scores over his past four games. Jackson and Beckham have gouged opponents with slants, which could be a valuable weapon against a defense that does not excel at covering short passes over the middle. Jackson missed Thursday’s practice with an illness but returned Friday and is “recovered,” coach John Harbaugh said. The Ravens will need a better game from left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who allowed six pressures against the Chargers after he missed the previous week with a knee injury. The Rams rank 27th in pressures and 24th in sacks. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is not blitz-happy, sending extra rushers on just 24% of dropbacks. At age 32, defensive tackle Aaron Donald isn’t quite the game wrecker he was in his prime, but he will still present a profound challenge to the Ravens’ interior blockers. He leads the Rams with six sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 21 quarterback hits. Nose tackle Kobie Turner (5 1/2 sacks) is also a powerful interior rusher. The Rams are not as talented on the edges or in the secondary, where cornerback Cobie Durant is a vulnerable target. Outside linebackers Byron Young (five sacks) and Michael Hoecht (4 1/2 sacks) are also questionable with knee injuries. The Rams rank 30th in takeaways, 19th on third down and 14th in the red zone. EDGE: Even Rams passing game vs. Ravens pass defense Matthew Stafford seems recovered from the thumb injury that hampered him in November and remains a dynamic passer at age 35. He threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns last Sunday against the Browns. Stafford has found a new favorite receiver in rookie Puka Nacua, who already has 77 catches on 118 targets for 1,029 yards in 12 games. Nacua seems to create separation no matter who’s covering him and has supplanted Cooper Kupp, who has averaged just 27.7 receiving yards over his past six games as he’s battled hamstring and ankle injuries. Former Raven Demarcus Robinson produced his best game of the season against the Browns with four catches for 55 yards. Stafford gets rid of the ball quickly and has taken a modest 20 sacks in 11 games. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | With Marlon Humphrey back, Ravens CB Rock Ya-Sin a healthy scratch vs. Rams Baltimore Ravens | Storms are expected in Baltimore during Sunday’s Ravens game. Here’s how to get there without the light rail. Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco or rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start for Browns in crucial game vs. Jaguars Baltimore Ravens | Ravens QB Lamar Jackson returns to practice Friday ‘recovered’ from illness; former LB Josh Bynes retires Baltimore Ravens | ‘Welcomed to be themselves,’ late additions lift Ravens defense to unforeseen heights He will face a Ravens defense that leads the league with 47 sacks and ranks first in DVOA against the pass, allowing just 4.2 yards per attempt. Fifteen Ravens have dropped opposing quarterbacks, led by defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (10 sacks, 21 quarterback hits) and outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (7 1/2 sacks, 17 quarterback hits). The Ravens have excelled at preventing the deep ball and also rank third in the red zone. They’re more vulnerable on short passes over the middle but only relatively. Safety Kyle Hamilton is a Pro Bowl candidate capable of filling any role. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey is on target to play against the Rams after missing two games because of a calf strain. EDGE: Ravens Ravens running game vs. Rams run defense The Ravens lead the league in rushing and rank second in yards per carry after they rolled up 197 yards in their win over the Chargers. Rookie Keaton Mitchell has added a big-play jolt to coordinator Todd Monken’s game plans, averaging 9.3 yards per carry. He complements Gus Edwards’ efficient work in short yardage and at the goal line, while the whole operation hinges on the defensive attention Jackson (5.1 yards per carry, five touchdowns) draws. Flowers also got in on the fun with a 37-yard touchdown run against the Chargers. Monken has effectively mixed up his run calls in recent weeks, using more zone and spread concepts than his predecessor, Greg Roman. The Rams rank 21st in DVOA against the run and gave up an average of 167.3 yards in losses to the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers. On the other hand, they have won three straight and held opponents under 100 rushing yards in each game. In other words, they will hope to keep the Ravens from jumping to a lead and grinding them down. Linebacker Ernest Jones leads the team in tackles and ranks among the best run defenders at his position. Donald is known more for his all-time great pass rushing, but he and Turner are solid against the run. EDGE: Ravens Rams running game vs. Ravens run defense The Rams are known as a pass-first team because of Stafford and their prolific receivers, but they have actually been more efficient on the ground this year, averaging 4.3 yards per carry and ranking eighth in rush DVOA. They have moved away from coach Sean McVay’s vaunted outside zones to a gap scheme that emphasizes power and uses motion to create double teams at the point of attack. Kyren Williams has averaged 5.1 yards per carry and 85.9 yards per game. Backup Royce Freeman has been nearly as good, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. Right guard Kevin Dotson creates space for them as one of the sport’s best run blockers. The Rams beat up on Arizona’s porous run defense, doing less damage against playoff-bound opponents such as the 49ers, Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. But they will test the Ravens, who have been out of this world against the pass and merely good against the run. Linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen rebounded to top form in the win over the Chargers. Nose tackle Michael Pierce and defensive tackle Travis Jones have quietly delivered very good seasons on the interior and will need to be stout against the Rams’ power game. EDGE: Even Ravens special teams vs. Rams special teams Justin Tucker hooked a 44-yard field goal attempt outside the left upright in the fourth quarter against the Chargers. His fifth miss of the season dropped him from his customary spot as the most accurate kicker of all time. The Ravens rank 16th in special teams DVOA in part because Tucker has undershot his usual level but more because of spotty punt coverage. The Rams, meanwhile, rank last in special teams DVOA because of atrocious kicking and punt coverage. They signed kicker Lucas Havrisik off the Browns’ practice squad to replace struggling veteran Brett Maher, but he’s missed three field goal attempts and an extra point try in five games. The Rams’ opponents have averaged 11.7 yards on punt returns and 30.3 yards on kickoff returns. The Rams signed veteran kicker Mason Crosby to their practice squad Wednesday as a possible alternative to Havrisik, though McVay said Friday it’s unlikely they elevate Crosby for the game. EDGE: Ravens Ravens intangibles vs. Rams intangibles The Ravens came off their bye week with a two-game lead in the AFC North and control of their own destiny as they aim to be the AFC’s No. 1 seed. They will hold a significant rest advantage over the Rams, who hosted the Browns last Sunday and will have to travel cross country for a 1 p.m. game. They’re relatively healthy, with Andrews the only key player likely to be unavailable Sunday. Harbaugh’s Ravens have matched up well with McVay’s Rams, blowing them out in 2019 and nearly upsetting a Super Bowl-bound team in 2021 despite Jackson’s absence. The Rams have plenty to play for in their own right after putting themselves back in playoff contention with that three-game winning streak. McVay is one of the league’s best coaches, and his team will always be dangerous as long as Stafford is slinging passes and Donald is crashing the pocket. They’re 3-3 on the road. EDGE: Ravens Prediction Can the Ravens continue their pattern of blowing out mid-tier NFC contenders at home? The Rams, with an efficient running game and stars in Stafford and Donald, are no pushovers. But the Ravens have the defense and running game to beat them down over four quarters, especially given their rest advantage. Ravens 27, Rams 17 View the full article
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A lawyer for the Memphis couple who took in former Ravens player Michael Oher when he was in high school said Wednesday that references to Oher being their adopted son will be removed from the couple’s websites and public speaking materials as part of their legal battle over Oher’s finances. View the full article