Three Baltimore Ravens who could disappoint in 2019

[papasmurfbell]

https://ebonybird.com/2019/05/23/three-baltimoreravens-disappoint-2019/

 

 

Let’s start with the Ravens starting QB Lamar Jackson. Jackson will be entering his first full season as the QB1 of Baltimore and expectations for the second-year man out of Louisville are extremely high. The performance of the former first round pick is the most important barometer in predicting how the Ravens will do next season.

Jackson went 6-1 in the regular season as a starter before the Ravens fell to the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. During the regular season, Jackson passed for 1,201 yards completing 58.2% of his passes and adding six touchdowns and three interceptions. Jackson also added 695 yards on the ground and five touchdowns.

So what’s not to like? The first thing for me is Jackson’s reputation as a run-first type QB. The shelf life for those types of quarterbacks are limited in the NFL (See RGIII). If Jackson is banged up at any point throughout the season, it could derail the Ravens 2019 playoff hopes.

Perhaps the most concerning aspect of Jackson’s game is his inability to hold onto the football. In his eight starts last season Jackson fumbled the ball an inexplicable 15 times. Not a believer in a one year trend? Jackson also coughed up 25 fumbles in 38 career collegiate games. If Jackson can’t clean up the fumbles, a disappointing season could be in order.

The final reason I think Jackson could disappoint in the 2019 season is his inaccuracy throwing the football. At times, it looks like a downright inability to throw the football effectively on a consistent basis. When the Ravens were pressed into throwing last season, things didn’t go particularly well for Jackson aside from his success against the Chargers prevent defense late in the playoff game loss.

The Chargers had seen Jackson a few week earlier and were able to stymie the Ravens rushing attack, forcing Jackson to try and beat them. Jackson responded by putting together quite possibly the worst QB performance in playoff history through three quarters. He should be commended for rallying the troops late, but I remain concerned for what the Ravens offense will look like when they HAVE to throw the ball.

I can't see that as a disappointment. The kid is really just learning the NFL game and how to be a real QB. We know he wants to run, he is inaccurate, and he fumbles. This is his yr to work on those problems and get better.

 

Matt Judon:

Aside from Jackson another player that has extremely high expectations heading into the 2019 season is edge rusher Matt Judon. The rising fourth-year pro will be the head dog of the Ravens pass rushing group for the first time in his career. With a great secondary a near certainty, it will be Judon’s responsibility to ensure the pass rush can pull their weight.

Judon has tallied 19 sacks over his first three seasons in Baltimore, leading many to believe he could be due for a career year. Many experts last year predicted a career year for Judon, but he was unable to deliver, posting just seven sacks and only one over the last six games of the season.

Last year, Judon was a part of a pass rush that featured future Hall of Famer Terrell Suggs and breakout star Za’Darius Smith. With both players playing elsewhere in 2019, the burden will fall on Judon to pick up the slack. I’m left worrying if he handle the offensive line’s undivided attention or will he struggle dealing with the added pressure to produce as well as that added attention.

The Ravens did bring in pass rushers Shane Ray and Pernell McPhee to add to a group that already includes third-year, early round draft pick disappointments Tyus Bowser and Tim Williams. Still, the Ravens ability to get to the passer will be heavily reliant on Judon this upcoming season. Can he deliver?

 

This would be a disappointment. Their are expectations now. I think in this area Eric really dropped the ball. I think he should have drafted Sweat. I think they are extremely bare at pass rush.

 

Patrick Onwuasor:

The third and final player that could be disappointing this upcoming season for the Ravens is linebacker Patrick “Peanut” Onwuasor. With C.J. Mosley’s departure in free agency, Onwuasor is projected to be the lead man in the middle on defense for the 2019 Baltimore Ravens.

Onwuasor got off to a rough start the first half of last season and was often outplayed by fellow linebacker rookie Kenny Young for that time. Onwuasor surged in the back half of last year where he picked up 3.5 sacks, eight QB hits, five tackles for loss, and the pivotal forced fumble to help salt away the regular season match-up with the Chargers in Week 16.

Baltimore has not made any additions in the free agent department to add depth at inside linebacker to this point. They also didn’t draft an inside linebacker in the 2019 NFL Draft. If the team decides to go with Onwuasor, Young, and prominent special teamer Chris Board, Onwuasor will need to put together his best season to date if the Ravens want to find themselves back in the playoffs.

My major concern in regards to Onwuasor is his ability to lead the middle of the defense. If given the play-calling responsibilities as well, will he be able to handle that? A younger player in a new role at a key position leaves me concerned whether or not Onwuasor will be able to deliver for the 2019 Ravens. After all, Onwuasor was undrafted out of Portland State for a reason.

The success of the 2019 Ravens will hinge on far more than these three players, but if the three of them deliver on expectations it will go a long way in sending Baltimore to another division crown.

 

Another big disappointment. He has been good. If he reverts to poor play having all the weight on his shoulders the D is in big trouble.

 

[oldno82]

Yeah, I agree with you Papa about Lamar. I hope I do see progress from him. I think Judon and Onwuasor would be the big disappointments.

 

Most importantly for this year I want to see Lamar progress. If he does that would be great. We wouldn't even have to make the playoffs for me to be happy if he shows progress

[vmax]

All 3 can also take the next step up in their development and flourish.

[oldno82]

True, Max and I certainly hope it works out that way!

[JPPT1974]

Just hope Lamar learned from Joe before the latter left for Denver.

[papasmurfbell]

I think Lamar can progress but to fix all his holes in one off season is asking a lot.

 

What Lamar needs to have learned form Joe is to not be selfish. Don't do what Joe did.