PFF: Lamar Jackson struggles while Za’Darius Smith & Tim Williams shine

As always, PFF shared their stats with Baltimore Beatdown following their game against the Indianapolis Colts!

OFFENSE

Rookie QB Lamar Jackson struggled to a 60.4 game grade on Monday night. In particular, he found it hard going when under pressure, completing 4-of-13 attempts for 49 yards. He was pressured on 57.9% of his dropbacks.

As I stated on twitter last night, Lamar did not look good but the offensive line gave him no favors. Hard to get settled as a rookie when pass rushers are in the backfield.

Currently on the roster bubble, RB Kenneth Dixon made a case for his inclusion in the final 53. He forced two missed tackles on his six carries and found the most success running up the middle, generating 21 of his yards outside the center.

When he’s on the field, he’s great. Problem is, he’s not often on the field. I love watching Dixon’s play but he must stay healthy and without suspension.

DEFENSE

Defensive tackle Michael Pierce impressed in limited action, notching a hurry, two defensive stops and a forced fumble on only 13 snaps.

I haven’t been as high on Pierce as I should be. He looked a little bigger than he should have coming into camp and he’s behind Willie Henry on the depth chart, but this was a great game to show just why he landed on the roster last year as an undrafted free agent.

On the edge, both Za’Darius Smith and Tim Williams had six and four total pressures respectively.

The stable of pass rush weapons on the Ravens roster only grows. At any moment, this team can dial up a blitz with these two and the starters, Matt Judon & Terrell Suggs.

With CB Jimmy Smith reportedly facing a multi-game suspension, the rest of the secondary will need to shoulder the load. They performed well as a unit against the Colts, combining for four pass breakups and allowing only one TD. Presumptive starter Marlon Humphrey has allowed zero catches on three targets so far this preseason.

This is the best depth the Ravens have shown at the cornerback position. If Smith is lost to a suspension, Humphrey, Anthony Averett and Maurice Canady can all provide capable play to minimize the absence of their star corner.