Road Graders: Taming the Lions Den

If you’re a weekly reader of this column then you already know the motto… you win and lose in the trenches.

In a way, it’s been the best indicator of the Ravens success this year. When Lamar Jackson has been comfortable and when the opposing QB had been uncomfortable it’s led to wins. Vice versa when it’s the opposite.

Well, surprise surprise, this week is no different and this is a week where they’re taking on beasts in the trenches.

The Detroit Lions are physical on both sides of the ball and they’ve been winning their trench battles to set the tone and lead them to a 5-1 record. Behind Coach Dan Campbell, their play in the trenches (without the ankle biting) has been this team’s identity.

Let’s break it down.

Taking Down the Head Lion

Jared Goff has revitalized his career in Detroit after being traded for Matthew Stafford.

Over the last two years, he’s been greatly helped out by having some of the best pass blocking in the NFL. The Lions OL ranks 4th this year in pass blocking efficiency and Goff is one of the least pressured QBs in the NFL.

When pressured, Goff has struggled in his career. As usual, stunt the run, take away play action and the Ravens can have success.

The Baltimore DL is coming off an impressive performance against the Tennessee Titans where Jadeveon Clowney, Justin Madubuike and Kyle Van Noy were dominant. However, this is the real test.

As we discussed last week, that Titans DL wasn’t anything special. Do I expect another nine pressure game for Clowney? Or two sacks from Madubuike? No.

However, I consider this a measuring stick game and their ability to put together that type of performance against top competition is going to tell us if we have a true contender pass rush group.

Additionally, the right side of the line is one of the best road grading run blocking units in the league. Travis Jones, Broderick Washington and Michael Pierce need to bring their A-game inside. The Ravens have had success against top run blocking units this year and I think they can keep it up.

I think we’ll see a less blitz heavy attack with Jamhyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta’s ability over the middle, they may not want to sacrifice their LBs in the pass rush game. Time for the DL to get home!

Building Momentum on the OL

Last week was a step in the right direction for the Ravens offensive line. There were still some reps where Ronnie Stanley struggled to anchor against the pass rush and John Simpson took some lumps.

That said, the right side of the line is jelling. Tyler Linderbaum has been excellent this year. Kevin Zeitler allowed 0 pressures last week and Morgan Moses is looking healthy.

It’s all coming down the left side.

The Lions move their edge defenders around, including Aiden Hutchinson who is currently 3rd in the NFL in pressures. Opposite Hutchinson, Charles Harris has put together a solid season as well.

The guy to keep an eye on though is John Cominsky. Cominsky has put together 19 pressures on a modest number of rushes, including a game where he dominated the Green Bay Packers a few weeks ago.

On the interior, Alim McNeill is developing as a complete defensive tackle and Benito Jones can eat space.

The key is going to be similar to last week against Jeffery Simmons and Denico Autry, which they did effectively.

The Lions don’t bring a deep group to M&T Bank Stadium, but their top talent is very good. Limit them and you will have success.

This is a game that’s going to rely on setting the tone physically. I’ve been waiting weeks to get the run game going and I’m going to keep pounding that drum.

The OL is starting to jell and I think it manifests itself in the run game this week.

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