OTL: Rookies Impressing, with More Set to Debut

Hello everyone, and a happy Wednesday morning to you. We are going to do a little preview of this week’s matchup against the Carolina Panthers and get into some interesting news around the NFL/Ravens.

So let’s get to the good stuff.

The main thing that needs to be mentioned for this upcoming Panthers game is this:

With P.J. Walker dealing with a high ankle sprain, Panthers’ HC Steve Wilks told reporters that Baker Mayfield will start Sunday vs. Baltimore.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 14, 2022

An old friend shows up on the Ravens’ schedule, and honestly, I am not worried about it at all. Baker Mayfield has had some bad games against the Ravens, and I might fear P.J. Walker more than him at this point, which is sad. Walker at least has that scrambling ability that can put pressure on the defense, but without that extra fear, the Ravens can sit back, get pressure and play coverage. I’d expect Baker to struggle badly on Sunday.

At times, Carolina’s Defense does show some edge, but stopping the run seems to be an issue, and the Ravens have the bodies up front exploit that weakness.

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Among said bodies is an impressive rookie:

After some Week 10 slides at the top, Ravens rookie Tyler Linderbaum now leads all NFL centers in ESPN’s run-block win rate: https://t.co/CQLPeixWn9 pic.twitter.com/RgTeviKQXq

— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) November 15, 2022

The Panthers defense is more built on pass rushing rather than run stopping, so again the Ravens match up well here.

John Harbaugh provided some updates on potential reinforcements for down the stretch:

“We’ll put @DavidOjabo and @charliekolar_ out there when we think they’re ready.. when we feel they’re ready to be successful, and that could be soon.” pic.twitter.com/N7XWBOwkYF

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 15, 2022

It will be interesting to see how the Ravens handle these two rookies. As Harbs pointed out, neither player had a training camp so getting them up to speed and in shape will be the first priority. If I were a betting man, I would put more money on Ojabo seeing action than Kolar, but my gut doesn’t feel the best about either playing soon, with the Ravens already getting significant impact from edge and tight end and wanting these guys as fresh as possible. I thought that Ojabo would make his debut this week, but those Harbaugh comments seemed like he was throwing cold water on that.

With that said, more news broke on the NFL wire today, and one of the players has a connection to Baltimore.

Green Bay Packers released WR Amari Rodgers and RB Kylin Hill.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 15, 2022

While this might seem to be the Packers releasing a couple of underwhelming youngsters, the connection is this.

Rodgers’ father is Ravens wide receivers coach Tee Martin. Something to monitor. https://t.co/hBG3q1onZT

— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) November 15, 2022

Could the Ravens throw Tee Martin a bone and add his son to his position group, a spot that sorely needs help anyway? I am not sure, honestly. Rodgers has been bad for the Packers, and he has more fumbles than receptions in his career. He did have some of the best Senior Bowl tape out there, but that hasn’t translated. I’d be interested as a potential practice squad stash, but that’s about it.

We made it to another hump day, with some Ravens football finally once again on the horizon, Flock.

The post OTL: Rookies Impressing, with More Set to Debut appeared first on Russell Street Report.