ExtremeRavens Posted October 18 Posted October 18 Here’s how The Baltimore Sun sports staff views the outcome of Monday night’s Week 7 game between the Ravens (4-2) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2) at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida: Brian Wacker, reporter Ravens 27, Buccaneers 24: Another week, another opponent with a prolific offense. The Buccaneers are coming off a 51-point outburst and feature one of the best wide receiver duos in the league in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin along with a quarterback in Baker Mayfield who leads the NFL in touchdown passes (15), is fourth in completion percentage (.709), eighth in passing yards (1,489) and second in passer rating (109.4). He has also torched opponents over the middle, an area of the field Baltimore continues to struggle defending, has been accurate under pressure and on the run and has been equally adept against man and zone coverage. Of course, the Ravens and their duo of quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry have helped propel Baltimore to the NFL’s top offense with 2,722 total yards. Both defenses have given up a ton of passing yards this season as well, so expect this one to be a fun shootout that could come down to a late Justin Tucker field goal to win it. Childs Walker, reporter Ravens 31, Buccaneers 24: The Buccaneers are playing well and will present a solid test on both sides of the ball. Wide receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans will stress the Ravens’ struggling secondary, with Baker Mayfield releasing the ball quickly to negate the Baltimore pass rush. It will again be up to the Ravens’ offense to outgun a formidable opponent. Lamar Jackson has demonstrated he will punish opponents who try to crowd the line of scrimmage with high-efficiency passing. Derrick Henry, even if he doesn’t go off early, will wear on Tampa Bay by the end. There’s no slowing this train. Mike Preston, columnist Ravens 31, Buccaneers 24: Tampa Bay has one of the best defensive minds in the NFL in coach Todd Bowles, who will give Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson a lot to think about for three quarters. But the Buccaneers have little talent on defense. They are ranked No. 26 in total defense, allowing 365.7 yards per game, and are 28th in pass defense, allowing 252.3 yards per game. I like Baker Mayfield’s competitive spirit, and he’ll cause problems for the Ravens’ secondary, but Baltimore has too much talent to lose to this team and their physical style is more than the Bucs are used to facing. C.J. Doon, editor Ravens 34, Buccaneers 23: With the way the Ravens’ offense is rolling right now, it’s hard to envision anyone being able to outscore them. Tampa Bay boasts a prolific passing attack and more juice in the running game now that Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker have taken over for injured starter Rachaad White, but the last time the Bucs faced a good defense, they were held to seven points in an embarrassing loss to the Broncos. Although Baltimore’s defense has struggled, especially against elite receivers, it feels like only a matter of time before they figure things out now that Dean Pees is back on staff. If the Ravens can stop the run and put enough pressure on Baker Mayfield to force him outside the pocket, they should be able to limit big plays. On the flip side, a deep Tampa Bay defensive front led by Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey could cause trouble for the Ravens’ offensive line, but the fact that there are no worries about how Lamar Jackson will handle the rush speaks to how well both he and the offense are playing right now. Tim Schwartz, editor Ravens 35, Buccaneers 28: On its face, the Ravens’ 4-2 record is pretty impressive. But when you look at the list of quarterbacks they’ve faced so far this season, it’s even more so. Mahomes, Prescott, Allen, Burrow, Daniels … just ignore the other one (OK, fine, it’s Minshew). Monday night will bring no reprieve in that aspect, as Baker Mayfield has been fairly steady this season with 15 touchdown passes and five interceptions, three of which he threw last week in a 51-27 shootout victory over the Saints, while completing more than 70% of his passes. The Ravens have their work cut out for them, and they have struggled mightily to slow down the league’s top wide receivers. They will not be excited to see Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. But Baltimore’s offense and Lamar Jackson are clicking on all cylinders right now, and it’s hard to see the Bucs having an answer for Derrick Henry and the rest of the Ravens’ playmakers. Getting everyone involved and spreading the ball around while leaning on Henry to finish games has been a recipe for success that they should be looking to continue in prime time. Bennett Conlin, editor Ravens 27, Buccaneers 21: Pro Football Focus says Tampa Bay ranks fifth-worst in the NFL in run defense and sixth-worst in tackling. That’s not a good recipe for success against a Baltimore team that leads the NFL in yards per game (453.7) and rushing yards per game (205.3). If you can’t tackle well, you don’t stand much of a chance to beat Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson. Baker Mayfield leads the NFL in passing touchdowns with 15, as the Buccaneers have a solid offense this season. That should be enough for Tampa Bay to keep pace in the NFC South race, but it won’t be enough Monday against one of the NFL’s best teams. View the full article Quote
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