Lamar Jackson’s Safety at Risk Amid Ravens’ Offensive Line Struggles
With an injured Lamar Jackson leading the Baltimore Ravens, the team’s concerns over his safety are escalating. The two-time MVP has faced significant adversity this season, having been sacked 24 times in just eight games—surpassing the total number of sacks he endured throughout the entirety of last season. Furthermore, he is under pressure on 23.4% of his dropbacks, marking the highest rate since his rookie year.
Calls for Line Adjustments
Fans and analysts have been vocal about the urgent need to reevaluate the offensive line, particularly the left and right guard positions. Heading into their Week 7 bye, discussions of potential changes were rife, yet the coaching staff opted to maintain the current lineup, featuring third-year player Andrew Vorhees and fourth-year player Daniel Faalele.
However, a new face made his debut during the Ravens’ recent victory over the New York Jets. Third-round rookie Emery Jones suited up for the first time, serving as the primary backup guard. Although he did not see action, his activation from the Non-Football Injury List on October 22 signals a shift in strategy.
Exploring New Options
Head coach John Harbaugh has indicated that the team is actively assessing all possibilities to enhance performance in the trenches, including the potential for Jones to step into a starting role. “I think everything’s on the table,” Harbaugh stated. “We were probably one of the first teams that started rotating linemen, if you remember. That was kind of unheard of… I am definitely not opposed to doing that.”
Jones’ journey has been challenging; a shoulder injury sustained during the pre-draft process sidelined him throughout the offseason, training camp, and the first six weeks of the regular season. Yet, since returning to practice, he has made significant progress, even overtaking fifth-year veteran Ben Cleveland for the eighth offensive lineman spot on game day.
A History of Rotation
Rotating players along the offensive line is not an unfamiliar approach for the Ravens. Over the past five years, they have successfully employed this strategy due to injuries and competition for starting positions. Last season, they initiated a two-man rotation at right tackle between veteran Patrick Mekari and second-round pick Roger Rosengarten. Injuries subsequently required them to adapt, leading Mekari to shift inside while Rosengarten took on a full-time role at right tackle.
This season, Mekari has again shown versatility, filling in at left tackle while two-time Pro Bowl veteran Ronnie Stanley has battled injuries. Cleveland, during his rookie year, also experienced a rotation at left guard before an injury allowed Ben Powers to take control of the position.
Stanley remains a key figure in mentoring younger linemen, focusing on refining their techniques and enhancing their performance. He has taken note of Jones’ physicality and relentless work ethic, qualities that are vital in the competitive landscape of the NFL. “Just his physicality, the way he relentlessly gets after it, so that’s very important in this league,” Stanley remarked.
Looking Ahead
Jones, who excelled as a right tackle during his college career at LSU, faces the challenge of adapting to the guard position at the professional level. His integration into the lineup could be a significant factor in the Ravens’ efforts to bolster Jackson’s protection and overall offensive consistency. As the season progresses, the Ravens’ coaching staff must weigh their options carefully to ensure the safety of their franchise quarterback while enhancing the effectiveness of the offensive line.
