Jackson Set to Face a Familiar Foe in Baker Mayfield

Two Stars from the 2018 Draft Class Meet Again

The 2018 NFL Draft saw five quarterbacks selected in the first round, the second-highest total all-time behind the ‘83 and ‘24 drafts (six each). The Cleveland Browns entered the draft with their second straight first-overall pick after a historically bad 0-16 campaign in 2017. Cleveland selected Oklahoma quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield, hoping to finish their never-ending QB search. Later that night, Baltimore traded back into the first round, selecting the last guy in the green room, another Heisman-winning quarterback, Lamar Jackson.

Since entering the league, Jackson and Mayfield have met in nine head-to-head matchups, with Lamar having the upper hand 6-3. These QBs, though, have had different paths in their careers through seven seasons. Jackson’s locked up long term while Baker has finally found his true home in Tampa Bay, following some questionable front-office decisions that ended his tenure in Cleveland. Monday brings us maybe the most exciting battle as of late between these two. The duo of former first-rounders have themselves atop the MVP favorites through six weeks of play.

Two explosive offenses led by two of the most exciting play callers in the league.

Week 7 is sure to be a must-watch for everyone.

Another Pass Heavy Gameplan for Baltimore?

Jackson is coming off back-to-back 300-yard passing games in wins over the Bengals and Commanders. The two-time MVP has found more success in the passing game than ever, and is currently on pace for a career-high 4,332 yards. The quality play through the air has helped the Ravens find a dangerous balance and flummox opposing defenses, leading to four straight wins following an 0-2 start.

Week 7 could bring another stellar performance for Jackson and the Ravens offense. Tampa Bay has allowed an average of 252.3 passing yards per game, 29th overall in the league. Getting the ball out quickly and scheming up shorter routes will be key for the Ravens on Monday in Tampa.

Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles has been more than happy sending the blitz on Jackson in previous matchups. In these teams’ 2022 Week 8 game, Bowles blitzed Jackson on 44.2% of his dropbacks. However, Jackson and the Ravens offensive line have handled the blitz exceptionally well this season. According to Next Gen Stats, Jackson holds the second-lowest sack rate (1.7%) and the third-highest first-down conversion rate (53.3%) when facing the blitz in 2024. With S Antoine Winfield Jr. limited all week, and CB Jamel Dean listed as OUT, Baltimore could put a lot of focus on their young pass catchers. Jackson and Zay Flowers were in sync for a career-high day for the second-year receiver last week against Washington. Rashod Bateman’s increased involvement and Mark Andrews‘ continued progression back from his slow start have the Ravens pass-catching corps clicking more than ever before. Jackson is averaging his largest yards per attempt of his career with 8.7 through six games. Opposing defenses have put a large focus on trying to shut down the run, which hasn’t happened yet, allowing the Ravens passing game to have the success it has as we near the mid-way point of the season.

Monday is sure to be an offensive battle, something the Ravens have shown an ability to win this season, as they rank 4th in points per game (29.5).

The Reawakening of Baker Mayfield

It’s been quite an interesting career for the once-Cleveland Browns first-overall pick. Mayfield brought the Browns to their first playoff appearance in 18 years, just to be pushed aside for Deshaun Watson. After stops in Carolina and Los Angeles, Mayfield has finally found his home in Tampa Bay following a reawakening in the 2023 season. The seventh-year quarterback is off to the hottest start of his career. Leading the league in passing touchdowns (15) and sitting top 10 in passing yards (1,489) Mayfield has made a serious case for an MVP run this season. Baker’s play has the Buccaneers sitting with a 4-2 record while producing the second-highest-scoring offense in the league averaging 29.7 points per game. Coming off a win with 594 yards of total offense, the Buccaneers enter Week 7 one of the hottest teams in the league.

Slowing down the Bucs offense has seemed nearly impossible this season, but limiting their yards after the catch could play a critical role in the Ravens getting a win on the road. Out of Mayfield’s 1,489 passing yards this season, 65% have come after the catch, the second-highest total in the league according to Next Gen Stats.

Ravens Must Limit YAC Against Godwin, Tampa

Mike Evans missed two practices and was limited on Saturday. Though he doesn’t have a designation for this game, it reamins to be seen how effective he will be with a hamstring injury. Combine that with running back Rachaad White (foot) being Questionable, and the Buccaneers offense is going to need a true “next man up” mentality to prevent losing the momentum they’ve been building the past few weeks. Getting to Mayfield and limiting his passing game won’t be easy for the Ravens defense. Since Week 4, the Buccaneers’ interior offensive line has allowed the lowest pressure rate in the league (3.5%). Getting players down at the initial point of attack, and not allowing big yardage from broken tackles should get the Ravens in prime position to grab another statement win.

It’ll be the first time Mayfield has gone against the Ravens since 2022, when he was with the Panthers. With arguably his best-supporting cast around him, Mayfield certainly has the ability this year to pick up a big win over his draft classmate and once-division rival.

The post Jackson Set to Face a Familiar Foe in Baker Mayfield appeared first on Russell Street Report.

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