Preview: Ravens Look to Make Statement in Week One Vs. Jets
The Baltimore Ravens head north to East Rutherford New Jersey to take on the New York Jets at 1 P.M., in week one of the 2022 NFL season. After a disappointing end to the 2021 season for the Ravens, they will look to bounce back with an impressive showing against the Jets. While the Ravens will be without left tackle Ronnie Stanley as he has been officially ruled out. Running back J.K Dobbins and cornerback Marcus Peters are listed as questionable, but both have been practicing regularly and have the potential to suit up for the Ravens on Sunday.
The Ravens will face some familiar faces on Sunday as former Ravens linebacker C.J. Mosley and quarterback Joe Flacco will be on the field for the Jets. While the Jets are not expected to contend for the AFC this season, Sunday will be a good test for the Ravens and a way to answer some questions surrounding this team and its current roster.
Sundays game will take place 21-years since the 9/11 attacks in New York. The atmosphere in Metlife stadium is expected to be loud and heavy with anticipation as the NFL season kicks off.
Lamar Jackson
All offseason the talk around the league has been Lamar Jackson and his contact. Friday was the cutoff date for the Ravens to sign Jackson to a long term deal, but neither side could come to an agreement. Jackson will now play the entire 2022 season on the fifth-year option, with no long term deal in place.
While contract questions will continue to come Jackson’s way no one is happier to start the regular season then Jackson, who will look to show the Ravens why he is worth his asking price. Sunday’s game against the Jets will be the first step for Jackson as he looks to improve on his worst season as a pro, and return to his MVP form. Don’t expect the weight of a long term deal to affect Jackson. Instead it will lead to a more focused and determined Jackson this season, which is good for the entire Ravens organization.
Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco, 37, now on his third team since leaving the Ravens in 2018 will get to face his former team for the first time, a team that he helped win a Super Bowl with in 2012. Love him or hate him, Joe Flacco will always be remembered in Baltimore, as he made the Ravens a contender year in and year out during his 10-year career in Baltimore. His incredible playoff performances, including throwing 11 touchdowns and no interceptions during the Super Bowl run. His run in 2012 still remains one of the best playoff performances by a quarterback in history.
Flacco has struggled in recent years, as he has spent the past several seasons mostly as a backup. However, Flacco still has one of the strongest arms in the NFL and his ability to throw the ball deep will be something the Ravens secondary will need to be weary of. The Ravens defense finished last in the NFL in passing last season. Jets receivers Elijah Moore, Corey Davis, and rookie Garrett Wilson all have big play ability. With Flacco’s arm and some stout receivers the Ravens defense will need to be locked in come Sunday.
Prediction
The Ravens offense will start quick against the Jets, and never look back. While the Ravens won’t be playing at full strength like they may have hoped, the Ravens remain head and shoulders above the Jets and that will be on full display on Sunday. The Jets have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL headlined by Carl Lawson, Solomon Thomas, and Quinnen Williams. Expect pressure at time from the Jets defensive front as the Ravens starting offensive line has yet to play together in full. However, the Ravens should be able to run as well as throw the ball against the Jets, expect Lamar Jackson to have a big day with his arm as well as his legs.
With the injury to the Jets top offensive lineman, left tackle Duane Brown. The Ravens defense will be able to live in the Jets’ backfield all afternoon. Pressure from the Ravens front seven will cause Flacco to try to make plays with his legs, thus leading to errant throws and turnovers in the Ravens favor. Rookie running back Breece Hall and backup Michael Carter will struggle against the Ravens run defense that was tops in the league last season. While only week one, this is an important game for the Ravens as they look to put the league on notice that they are a team to be watched. Ravens win convincingly 34-13.
Line: Baltimore -6.5
Over/Under: 44
All-Time Record: Baltimore leads series 9-2
Last Meeting: 12/12/19 Baltimore 42-21
