Baltimore’s recent results leave little room for assumptions, but the Chargers present several opportunities the Ravens can reasonably expect to pursue. Los Angeles has struggled to protect Justin Herbert, sustain scoring drives, and consistently stop opponents. The Ravens also have had an extended preparation window following their Thursday night loss to Jacksonville.
Here are five reasons Baltimore has a workable path to ending its losing streak Monday.
1. Brissett has connections within the coaching staff
Jacoby Brissett is learning Declan Doyle’s offense, but every relationship in the building is not new. Doyle noted that quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfork and pass game coordinator Marcus Brady have worked with him before.
That familiarity can help coaches explain terminology and identify concepts
Brissett already understands. The extra preparation time gives Baltimore an opportunity to build a usable game plan around those connections.
2. The running game offers more than one option
Derrick Henry remains the centerpiece, but Justice Hill provided 85 rushing yards against Jacksonville. Baltimore finished that game with 172 rushing yards. The Chargers allow 122 rushing yards per game. Henry’s power and Hill’s ability to contribute in different situations give Doyle options beyond asking Brissett to generate every first down through the air.
3. Baltimore has a foundation against the run
The Ravens allow 99.9 rushing yards per game, ranking 11th entering Week 10. That provides a useful starting point against Omarion Hampton and a Chargers offense averaging 114.5 rushing yards. Travis Jones, Nnamdi Madubuike and the linebackers must maintain that standard. Limiting early rushing gains would make it harder for Los Angeles to protect Herbert through favorable down-and-distance situations.
4. Flowers has been productive at home
Zay Flowers has recorded at least seven receptions and a touchdown in four of his past five home games. His involvement gives Baltimore a receiver who can help an unfamiliar quarterback through separation and yards after the catch. Flowers also offers options through motion and different alignments, letting Doyle seek favorable coverage rather than leaving Brissett dependent on one difficult matchup.
5. Los Angeles has protection problems Baltimore can attack
Houston sacked Herbert eight times in the Chargers’ previous game. Baltimore does not need to match that total to meaningfully disrupt the offense. Mike Green and Trey Hendrickson can affect the edges while the interior rush restricts Herbert’s movement. Making Los Angeles devote extra blockers to protection would also reduce the number of receivers available downfield, helping Baltimore’s coverage.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Chargers: 5 reasons for optimism on Monday Night Football
