Facing the formidable Baltimore Ravens, any defense would have its work cut out for it, especially when dealing with the offensive prowess of two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and the powerhouse running game led by Derrick Henry. The Ravens' offense, powered by Jackson, has been a daunting challenge for defenses since he entered the league.
Lamar Jackson, hailed as the "best dual-threat quarterback in the league and in history, today," adds a unique dimension to the Ravens' attack. Jackson’s ability to both pass and run the ball with equal effectiveness sets him apart from traditional quarterbacks. During his second NFL MVP season in 2023, Jackson recorded an impressive 26 touchdowns against only eight interceptions. This performance placed his touchdown-to-interception ratio as the fourth-best in the NFL during that span. Furthermore, Jackson has showcased his rushing abilities by accumulating over 750 rushing yards in each of his first five NFL seasons from 2019 to 2023.
Complementing Jackson's versatility is running back Derrick Henry, who brings raw physicality to the Ravens' backfield. Opponents like Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys understand the impact players like Henry have on the game. Parsons shared his thoughts on facing such a potent rusher: "Toughness. Step up. Ain't no other choice. Derrick Henry's going to come downhill, like it or not. So it's not like a matter of are you going to stop it. It's just, are you going to do it or not. I know I'm ready for the matchup."
Defensive Challenges
The challenge for defenses is not limited to stopping Jackson and Henry alone. Teams like the Cowboys must also contend with versatile offensive players like Alvin Kamara, who recently demonstrated his explosive talent by rushing for 115 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries against the Cowboys. Kamara’s total yardage in that game reached 180 yards from scrimmage with four touchdowns, showcasing the multifaceted threats that an elite offense can present.
On the defensive front, Dallas has faced its own obstacles, particularly with individual player performances. Osa Odighizuwa, for instance, holds a defensive grade of 45.6, placing him 91st out of 115 defensive tackles. His teammates Mazi Smith, Linval Joseph, and Jordan Phillips also struggle, with respective grades of 28.9, 31.7, and 29.6.
Despite these challenges, there are bright spots in the Cowboys' defense. Linebacker Micah Parsons has consistently performed at a high level, recording 14 quarterback pressures—the third-most in the NFL. Parsons often faces double-teams, with 35% of his pass-rush plays in 2023 drawing extra attention, the highest rate among edge rushers.
Parsons spoke about the strategic adjustments opponents make to counter his impact: "The expectations is like I'm the person that's gonna get the slide, I'm the person that's going to get the majority of the chips and the double teams… So it would be shocking to me if you were to limit me because I would think [it] would be the worst thing."
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike Zimmer also reflects on the balance required in deploying defensive strategies: "Maybe I tried to use him a little bit more in a lot of different things... It may have affected some of the other players and asked them to do too many things this week." This admission underscores the complexity of maximizing individual talent while fielding a cohesive and effective defensive unit.
Building Towards Consistency
Defensive consistency remains a paramount goal for teams aiming to counter such formidable offensive talents. As Parsons aptly put it, "At some point, all 11 [on the field] got to have the same mindset, and that's just toughness."
The blend of individual brilliance and team synergy will be critical for any defense looking to contain the likes of Jackson and Henry. As the season progresses, teams like the Cowboys will need to address their defensive shortcomings and refine their strategies to stand a chance against the NFL's elite offenses.