Monday Night Showdown: Ravens and Buccaneers Set for a High-Octane Clash in Week Seven
Two of the NFL's most formidable offenses through the first six weeks of the season are getting ready to square off on Monday Night Football in Week Seven, between the Baltimore Ravens and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After opening the season 0-2, the Ravens are 4-2 on the season after winning for the fourth time in a row behind quarterback Lamar Jackson against the Washington Commanders last week. At the same time, the Buccaneers, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, are coming off a season-high seven touchdowns scored in a single game this season against a wounded New Orleans Saints club. All things considered, it should be another thrilling game between these two extremely skilled offensive teams, with the Ravens hoping to continue their winning streak and the Bucs hoping to put on another strong offensive display at home.
After facing the Bengals, Chiefs, and Commanders in the first six weeks of the season, the Ravens' defense will face yet another potent offense this week. The inability of the Ravens' defense to stop the opposing team's passing attacks has been one of their biggest weaknesses thus far this season. As a result, Baltimore has the second-worst pass defense in the league, allowing an average of 275.7 passing yards per game and 11 touchdowns through the air. In order for the Ravens to win their fifth straight, first-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr will need to keep trying to come up with a game plan that will help cut down on the big plays that the opposition is allowed to make. It won't be simple to do this, though, as they will have to try to contain the Buccaneers' offensive talents, which include running backs Rachaad White and Bucky Irving, tight end Cade Otton, wideout Chris Godwin and veteran receiver Mike Evans, a five-time Pro Bowler. The Ravens will put themselves in an excellent position if they can get their dominant pass rush going, which sacked Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels three times last week and has 19 sacks overall. As well, if their NFL-best run defense can continue to dominate this week and force Mayfield and the Bucs' offense into clear-cut passing situations, they will further strengthen their chances.
After scoring 30 points or more for the third straight week, the Ravens’ offense is primed for success heading into this week's matchup with the Buccaneers. The offensive line's performance and the increased involvement of veteran running back Derrick Henry have played a significant role in the Ravens' recent offensive upswing after spending the first two weeks ironing out the wrinkles. The Ravens' offensive line was a major source of worry going into the season after several players were lost in the offseason to free agency, most notably right guard Kevin Zeitler, who signed a deal to play for the Detroit Lions. General Manager Eric DeCosta made the decision to go with a younger group up front, which caused the team to struggle in the first few weeks. Star pass rushers like Chris Jones of the Chiefs and Maxx Crosby of the Raiders constantly pressured Jackson, while the offensive line failed to create openings for Henry and Justice Hill to ignite the Ravens' explosive running game. The Ravens' offensive line has, however, settled into a rhythm over the course of their current four-game winning streak, giving Jackson more time in the pocket to connect with receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, as well as their potent tight-end trio of Isaiah Likely, Mark Andrews, and Charlie Kolar. If the Ravens can get their run game going against the 12th-ranked Buccaneers’ rush defense, it will allow Baltimore to take advantage of the Buccaneers' lackluster pass defense, which ranks 29th in the league, surrendering 252.3 passing yards per game.
