Preview: Ravens Want to Make Statement Against NFC West Leading Seahawks
The Ravens get set to take on there third straight NFC opponent on Sunday, and there second straight NFC west opponent in the Seattle Seahawks. The Ravens came away with a hard fought victory over the Arizona Cardinals to move to 6-2, tied for the best record in the entire AFC. While the Seahawks come to Baltimore with an AFC west best 5-2 record following a win over the Cleveland Browns last Sunday by a final of 24-20.
The Ravens only true injury concern is right tackle Morgan Moses. Moses injured his shoulder last Sunday and did not practice this week. Moses has a chance to still play given how he feels on Sunday in pre-game, but is listed as doubtful. Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday with an illness, and was limited on Friday, he is listed as questionable. Safety Marcus Williams (hamstring) was limited all week and is also listed as questionable. Defensive back Daryl Worley who was recently activated off injured reserve with a shoulder injury practiced in full this week and is listed as questionable, but is expected to play.
The Seahawks currently have four listed on there injury report. Guards Phil Haynes (calf) and Anthony Bradford (ankle/knee) both are listed as questionable. Nose tackle Austin Faoliu (knee) and running back Kenny McIntosh (knee) both popped up on the injury report after Fridays practice, and are currently listed as questionable of Sunday.
Players to Watch:
Odell Beckham Jr.
Frustration boiled over last Sunday for Odell Beckham Jr. after drawing his sixth defensive holding/pass interference penalty of the year kept him from scoring his first touchdown of 2023. Beckham, who turns 31 on Sunday, has worked his way back not only from a torn ACL in 2021, but several injuries this season including an ankle injury that forced him to miss a game has slightly derailed high expectations for the receiver.
When Beckham Jr. signed this offseason, the expectation was not for Beckham Jr. to be the number one receiver for this team, but rather a reliable receiver the complimented Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, and Rashod Bateman. In six games Beckham Jr. has 26 targets, third most on the team, 14 receptions and 162 receiving yards. Beckham Jr. himself is not pleased with his performance thus far this season but doesn’t seem overly concerned that this will be how it is for the duration of the year. While the Ravens, Beckham Jr., and Ravens fans know he can be better its hard to argue his importance to the team when he continues to draw penalties and continues to be a player defenses must keep an eye on week in and week out.
Jordyn Brooks
2020 first round pick, linebacker, Jordyn Brooks has turned into an impressive addition to the Seahawks defense. Now in his fourth season Brooks is second on the team in total tackles with 67 and third on the team with 3.5 sacks, while also forcing and recovering one fumble so far this season. Brooks who’s 2022 season ended in week 17 after he suffered a torn ACL, appears to not be hindered thus far in 2023 from the prior injury.
Brooks quickness, strength and ability to find the ball has helped the Seahawks become one of the best defenses at stopping the run. In addition to Brooks, All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner, along with a Pro-Bowl level secondary makes the Seahawks a tough matchup for the Ravens offense come Sunday.
Prediction
The Ravens schedule hasn’t done them many favors over the last few weeks as they get set to battle another team that is near the top of the NFC. The Ravens will once again be looking for a quick start, similar to the one they had against another NFC opponent, the Detroit Lions, just two weeks ago. The Seahawks statistically are not as good as the Lions, but they do have playmakers on both sides of the ball that can change the complexion of games.
The Seahawks rank 16th in total defense giving up just over 330 yards per game including nearly 235 through the air. The Seahawks are however one of the best rushing defenses in the NFL giving up under 100 yards rushing per game.
With all that considered I see turnovers will be the difference on Sunday with both teams so closely matched, the Ravens cannot afford to turn the ball over. Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith has thrown six interceptions, while the Seahawks defense has caused 10 turnovers, including forcing four fumbles. If the Ravens can protect the football while forcing the Seahawks into mistakes and short offensive drives, that coupled with the opportunity to be back at home for the first of three straight home games, and the Ravens ability this season to out play good opponents is an advantage that gives them the slight edge. Ravens win a hard-fought game that comes down to the end 26-17.
Line: Baltimore -6
Over/Under: 44.5
All-Time Record: Series Tied 3-3
Last Meeting: 10/20/19 Baltimore 30-16
