Eagles-Ravens Game Preview: 5 questions and answers with the Week 13 enemy

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The Philadelphia Eagles are taking a relatively quick trip down I-95 to M&T Bank Stadium this weekend to face the Baltimore Ravens . It’s an interconference battle between two of the NFL’s best teams.

In order to preview this Week 13 tilt, I reached out to our enemies over at Baltimore Beatdow n . The knowledgeable Kyle Phoenix kindly took the time to answer my questions about this upcoming tilt. Let’s take a look at the answers. [For my answers about the Eagles, stay tuned to BB.]

1) Lamar Jackson’s arguably having the best season of his career. Why’s that been the case?

Multiple factors are why Jackson is playing better than he ever has. He’s in Year 7 of his career, so he’s gained the wisdom of NFL play. He’s reaching his peak as he turns 28 years old in January. He’s in Year 2 under OC Todd Monken, and his receiving unit from the first year returned healthy. Add in running back Derrick Henry, a resurgent season from left tackle Ronnie Stanley and it’s all come together for him. The Ravens have a full arsenal of weapons, he’s making excellent decisions and doesn’t have to play hero ball.

2 – We know Jackson and Derrick Henry are the biggest strengths of the offense. What are the biggest weaknesses?

There are two weaknesses for the Ravens’ offense.

The first being self-inflicted penalties. It may sound braggadocios, but I believe the Ravens are the only team capable of stopping themselves. When they aren’t facing 1st & 20s or 2nd & 18s because of holding penalties, false starts or illegal formations, they’re persistently ahead of the chains and capable of playing however they want. They’re running downfield with Henry, or Jackson is connecting with his pass-catchers, be them tight ends or receivers. But they’re the most penalized team in the NFL and it’s because they are constantly hurting themselves.

Their second weakness is the interior guards. Both Patrick Mekari and Daniel Faalele are of starting quality, but they’re not the mauling type many imagine in Ravens’ history.

3 – The Ravens’ pass defense has struggled. Why have they been so vulnerable?

The defense has been nothing if not perplexing. Only a few weeks in, they became the … Read More