Ravens News 10/17: Earl’s return, game picks and more

Offensive Line Scoring vs. Bengals 10/13/19 - Ken McKusick

Lamar Jackson enjoyed good protection as the offensive line produced ample time and space (ATS) on 16 of 33 drop backs resulting in a pass or sack (48.5%, excluding 1 spike).

The game-sealing 18-play drive was the longest in the NFL this season by time (9:46) and covered 83 yards, and overcame 15 yards of penalties. Despite the fact the Bengals knew exactly what was coming, the Ravens rushed for 6 first downs on the drive.

2019 PFF Week 7 NFL Power Rankings - PFF

7. BALTIMORE RAVENS

Last Week: 9th

Lamar Jackson has definitely taken a step forward in 2019, but the most impressive part of the Ravens offense is their ability to adapt. They have the ability to lean on designed runs from their quarterback. Through six weeks, 283 of his 177 yards have come on designed runs.

Here’s How Earl Thomas Is Handling His Return to Seattle - Clifton Brown

“If there’s any emotion at all, it’s always fire,” Thomas said. “I love when I play with fire, because I know what’s going to happen. Some games, you just don’t feel it, but you still go out and compete. (This week) just try to keep my same routine, build up, simmer back down, and hopefully once I get out there, I’ll be ready to go.

“I can make so much difference in this defense, bro. I just got to see it and go,” Thomas said. “Like (Defensive Coordinator) Wink (Martindale) always says in meetings, just let it rip. I left a couple of plays out there during game day (Sunday) that I want back.”

NFL picks, predictions against spread for Week 7: Cowboys edge Eagles, 49ers smash Redskins - Vinnie Iyer

Baltimore Ravens at Seattle Seahawks

It’s time for us to stop thinking, just because of past Super Bowl-winning reputations, that these teams have strong defenses. Sure they each get timely takeaways and sacks at times, but most of the time, these are vulnerable run defenses with secondaries that can get burned all over the field. The Ravens are a little more run-dependent with Lamar Jackson and Mark Ingram, which plays to the strength of Seattle, and may not have rookie field-stretcher Marquise Brown again. The Seahawks are more balance with Chris Carson and Russell Wilson. Wilson is simply the best executor of the downfield passing game in the game. Wilson easily outpasses Jackson here, even if he doesn’t outrun him.

Pick: Seahawks win 27-20 and cover the spread.

NFL picks straight up for Week 7: Ravens outrun Seahawks; Bears stop Saints; Rams rebound - Todd Haislop

Baltimore Ravens at Seattle Seahawks

If not for the marquee associated with Cowboys vs. Eagles, this, a matchup of true contenders with exciting, MVP-caliber quarterbacks, would be the game of the week. Neither Baltimore nor Seattle is as great defensively as its brand suggests, especially against the pass, so the team that does a better job hiding its weakness will have the edge. The Ravens, spearheaded by Lamar Jackson and Mark Ingram, are better equipped to keep the ball moving with a balanced attack to offset the brilliance of Russell Wilson.

Pick: Ravens 35, Seahawks 30