Lamar Jackson has rarely lost against NFC teams. This week, however, he faces a big challenge.
The Baltimore Ravens will play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, which will pit the Ravens’ top-ranked offense against the Eagles’ No. 1-ranked defense. This could be the toughest test for Jackson’s success against NFC teams this season.
Jackson has an impressive record of 23-1 as a starter against NFC teams, but Philadelphia arrives in Baltimore with a seven-game winning streak and a strong defensive lineup.
“This is a really good team we’re playing,” said Ravens coach John Harbaugh. “I think some people think that they might be the best team in the league, and that’s the way they’re playing.”
Although Philadelphia has faced some weaker teams during their winning streak, they have also defeated top teams like Joe Burrow and Cincinnati with a 37-17 win. They also beat Jayden Daniels and Washington before winning 37-20 against Matthew Stafford and the Rams last weekend.
“They rely on their front, heavily. They’ve got great linebackers, who are very smart, who play very well together,” said Ravens running back Derrick Henry. “Good in the back end, as well. So, great defense — the No. 1 defense in the league — so it shows on film.”
Since Week 8, the Eagles have scored 46 points off turnovers, the most in the NFL. They took the ball away five times in a 34-6 win over Dallas, where the Cowboys only managed 146 total yards. They also held the New York Giants to just 119 yards in Week 7.
Stopping the Ravens will be a different challenge, especially since Jackson has been good at protecting the ball this season, throwing only three interceptions.
Philadelphia lost veteran defensive end Brandon Graham to a torn triceps, and cornerback Darius Slay (concussion) missed practice on Wednesday. However, the defense still has a lot of talent, including Jalen Carter, Josh Sweat, Zack Baun, and Nakobe Dean.
“Jalen Carter is amazing. Those guys up front are doing an amazing job getting after the quarterback, causing disruption in the backfield,” Jackson said. “An explosive defense, that’s what I’m seeing — great corners, all-around defense, safeties. Pretty smooth.”
This game has also attracted attention because of the matchup between running backs Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, both of whom have rushed for over 1,300 yards this season. Barkley’s role in Philadelphia’s success has sparked talks that this season’s MVP might not go to a quarterback.
Jackson, the current MVP winner, is determined to keep the award. He currently leads the NFL in passer rating, passing yards, and touchdown-to-interception differential. And this isn’t the first tough defense he’s faced this season.
The Ravens scored 41 points in a win over Denver and 35 points in a blowout win over Buffalo. Only Pittsburgh gave the Ravens’ offense trouble in a game where Baltimore turned the ball over three times.
No matter the result, this Baltimore-Philadelphia game will likely be a big statement for one of these teams as one of the top in the league.
“Just worry about being who you are, stay true to yourself, going in like any other game,” Jackson said. “Don’t just put too much on your mind about the opponent. You have to focus on what’s in front of you.”
