Oakland Raiders: 5 Key matchups vs. Ravens in Week 5

1. Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin vs, Matt Skura

The Ravens lost one of their best players when Marshal Yanda injured his ankle in their Week 2 game against the Cleveland Browns. Yanda might be the most important offensive linemen in the league, as Baltimore has not won a game since Yanda has been out. Pro Football Focus ranked Yanda as the best offensive linemen in the league last season.

Those are big shoes to fill, especially for someone like Matt Skura. Skura was signed by the Ravens in 2016 as an undrafted free agent and has not started any games since until Week 3 as Yanda’s replacement. Pro Football Focus Edge ranks Skura as the 56th best guard over the course of his first two starts.

Skura is certain to have his hands full as he faces off against one of the best pass-rushing duos in the league. Khalil Mack is looking to win his second consecutive Defensive Player of Year award recording four sacks over the first four games of the season. Bruce Irvin has only recorded one sack so far this season but is only one year removed from a seven-sack season.

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The best aspect of Mack and Irvin is that they can line up anywhere to attack the line. In this game expect both to spend time attacking Skura in an attempt to take advantage of his inexperience. I expect both Mack and Irvin, as well as Mario Edwards Jr, to put consistent pressure on Flacco and record sacks.