The Baltimore Ravens do not need to blitz Cam Ward into submission Sunday. They need to prevent the Tennessee Titans quarterback from becoming comfortable long enough to find his rhythm.
Ward’s first-quarter numbers reveal Baltimore’s clearest opening. Through three games, he has completed eight of 15 passes for only 31 yards, no touchdowns, and a 59.0 passer rating. None of those completions produced a first down. His first-half production hasn't been much better: 17-of-31 passing for 136 yards, no touchdowns, and a 66.1 rating.
The difference after halftime has been substantial. Ward has completed 38 of 57 second-half attempts for 368 yards, two touchdowns and an 88.9 rating. His fourth-quarter rating rises to 98.5, with 250 yards and two touchdown passes.
That pattern surfaced against the New York Giants. Tennessee opened with five consecutive three-and-outs and generated only 54 first-half yards before Ward led three extended drives after halftime. His late interception in the end zone sealed a 12-7 loss, but Baltimore cannot ignore how much more comfortable he looked before that mistake.
The Ravens must create pressure without becoming reckless. Ward has been sacked only five times this season after taking 55 sacks as a rookie. He was not sacked on 36 dropbacks against New York, and his reported pressure rate through three games is only 21.2%. Tennessee’s protection has improved even if its offense remains inconsistent.
Baltimore enters Week 4 with five sacks. Tavius Robinson leads the team with two, while Trey Hendrickson and Roquan Smith have one apiece.Hendrickson has been ruled out, making the pass rush even more necessary. The Ravens produced seven quarterback hits against Dak Prescott in Brazil but converted only one into a sack. Calais Campbell generated six pressures by himself, according to Pro Football Focus, without recording a takedown.
That is why Baltimore’s plan must involve more than sending extra rushers. Anthony Weaver can use simulated pressures, move Kyle Hamilton toward the line of scrimmage, and change Ward’s pre-snap picture while still protecting a secondary that allowed Dallas 267 passing yards.
Rush-lane discipline will also matter. Ward has rushed for 30 yards and two touchdowns, and leaving an escape route could
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Titans: Baltimore must keep Cam Ward from finding a rhythm
