Baltimore Ravens Preview 2021

NFLNFL Preview 2021AFC Preview 2021AFC North Preview 2021AFCAFC NorthBaltimore Ravens

Sep 3

Our Baltimore Ravens preview 2021 notes that this team has been playoff-bound over the past three seasons. In 2018 and 2019, the Ravens won the AFC North, and last year at 11-5, they earned one-of-three AFC wildcard slots. In their wildcard matchup, Baltimore beat Tennessee 20-13. However, in the Divisional Round, they lost to Buffalo 3-17. Once again, we expect the Birds to be solid on both sides of the ball and to be very competitive.

Ravens Offense

In 2020, Lamar Jackson (376 ATT, 242 COMP, 2,757 YDs, 26 TDs, 9 INTs) put on quite a show in the air and on the ground. Along with doing a dynamite job passing, he also led the Ravens in rushing with 1,005 yards, averaging 6.3 YPA and scoring seven times. Defenses have a tough time containing and controlling Jackson. On the rushing front, the number one and two backs, J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, return. Dobbins ran for 805 yards and nine TDs, averaging 6.0 YPA, while Edwards was good for six scores, 723 yards, and 5.0 YPA.

WR Sammy Watkins joins wideout Marquise Brown (58 REC, 769 YDs, 13.3 AVG, 8 TDs) and tight end Mark Andrews (58 REC, 701 YDs, 12.1 AVG, 7 TDs) in the receiving corps. If Watkins can stay healthy, he could play a major role. Last season, the O-line did a fine job opening up running lanes, as the Ravens had the top-ranked ground game in the NFL. However, they were less effective in protecting the quarterback, as they allowed 32 sacks (T-13), which was partly responsible for the pass attack being ranked 32nd. The frontline has been upgraded and should be more stalwart versus the pass rush.

Baltimore Ravens Preview – Defense

Our Baltimore Ravens preview 2021 observes that the D-line and secondary are two of the best units in the league. Additionally, the linebacking group is not far behind. Last season, while the Raven offense generated 29.3 PPG (7th), the defense was holding opponents to 18.9 PPG (2nd). The front three of Derek Wolfe (DE), Brandon Williams (NT), and Calais Campbell (DE) are fearsome. Plus, there’s plenty of depth backing them up. Inside linebackers Malik Harrison and Patrick Queen return to the unit. In 2020, Malik, a rookie, performed well in stopping the run, while Queen, also a rookie, led Baltimore in tackles (105). Expect premium seasons from both.

Last year, the Raven secondary recorded just 10 INTs (T-23rd) with corner Marcus Peters grabbing four. Peters consistently performs at a high level. Marlon Humphrey, also a top CB, signed a five-year deal with Baltimore. He’s a solid anchor. Safeties DeShon Elliot and Chuck Clark are first class. Expect more picks this season.

Baltimore Ravens Special Teams

Kicker Justin Tucker (52/53 XPs, 26/29 FGs) is one of the best in the NFL. Additionally, punter Sam Koch holds team records for career gross (45.4) and net yards (39.5). On runbacks, Baltimore is solid with Devin Duvernay handling kickoffs (27.5 YPR) and James Proche punts (8.6 YPR).