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Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens look like Super Bowl favorites

By Cody Williams

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 25: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 25: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

2. Defense peaking late in the year

Early in the season, one of the biggest issues facing the Ravens was their defense. It felt as if the offense was going to have to put up 35 points per game whenever they faced a good offense. That’s what happened in their two losses as they gave up 33 points in a five-point loss to the Chiefs and gave up 40 points in a 15-point loss to the Browns.

Two things have changed since those games, though. For one, the defense has gotten healthier, particularly with Jimmy Smith being on the field. More importantly, though, Baltimore traded for cornerback Marcus Peters ahead of the NFL Trade Deadline. Since that move, the defense has been playing at a high level and it makes sense as to why.

This Ravens defense has a new look than in years past. Previously, you would expect Baltimore to rush the passer and have strong linebacker play. In the 2019 season, though, they are relying heavily on their secondary to give the front-seven time to operate. With the addition of Peters to Smith, Marlon Humphrey and Earl Thomas, that group is now succeeding in doing just that.

Not only is the secondary playing lockdown defense and creating turnovers but they’re also allowing guys like Matthew Judon and Tyus Bowser to have more success in getting to opposing quarterbacks. That’s why they’ve been able to do things like hold the Seahawks to 16 points and limit the Texans and Rams to seven or fewer points. And that’s something they can bank on if they stay healthy in the secondary.

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