The Week 4 matchup between the Buffalo Bills defense and the Baltimore Ravens will be one of the biggest tests of the early season for Sean McDermott’s squad. After cruising to blowout wins over the Miami Dolphins (in Week 2) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (Week 3), the Bills will face the NFL’s second-best rushing attack in the Ravens.
Through three weeks, the Ravens are averaging nearly 200 yards a game. Running back Derrick Henry has 281 yards on the ground, including 151 yards and two scores last week in Dallas. Perennial MVP candidate Lamar Jackson adds 247 of his own, including 122 yards in Week 1 against the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs. Against the Dallas Cowboys last week, the reigning NFL MVP notched 87 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries.
It’s nothing new for Jackson as he tests defenses weekly with his dual-skill set. For several years, however, the Ravens didn’t have a back like Henry. The former Tennessee Titan amassed over 1,000 yards five times in his nine-year career, including 2,057 in 2020.
Former backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards were serviceable, but Henry is a former rushing Champion. It’s that two-headed attack between Henry and Jackson that will provide the Bills with their biggest test of the season to date.
Buffalo was able to bottle up the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 in a 34-28 victory. Over the last two weeks, however, the rush defense hasn’t really been tested. Josh Allen led Buffalo to a 24-10 halftime lead in Week 2 against division rival Miami. The same happened against Jacksonville in Week 3 as Allen tossed four first-half touchdowns to give the Bills another huge lead (34-3) at the half.
How the Buffalo Bills Defense Can Shut Down the Baltimore Ravens Rushing Attack
No More Rest for the Wicked?
Jumping out to huge leads forces the other team to lean heavily on passing to catch up. That, in turn, opens up more opportunities for the defense to take advantage of risks an offense wouldn’t normally take. The Bills were able to do that by picking off Trevor Lawrence last week while also sacking him five times.
The Ravens have also jumped out to leads over the last two weeks thanks to a more balanced attack. Even when the team falls behind, Jackson’s dual-threat ability always gives the Ravens a chance to come back. With several new starters across all three levels of the defense, Baltimore will truly test if the Bills defense is among the top units in the NFL.
Lineback Matt Milano is out indefinitely after tearing his biceps in the pre-season. Previous stalwarts of the secondary – Tre’Davious White and Jordan Poyer – departed in free agency. Starting safety, Taron Johnson has also missed most of the season after injuring his forearm against Arizona in Week 1.
Scheming for Success
While the Bills are 3-0, much of the success can be pinned to the offensive outbursts in the first half. Buffalo’s defense is 16th against the run over three weeks. Johnson and linebacker Terrel Benard are both out for the showdown with Baltimore.
That puts more onus on Nicholas Morrow, Dorian Thompson, and Baylon Spector to play bigger roles in the second level of the defense. Buffalo could employ more nickel coverage as cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram has collected a sack and two interceptions this year.
McDermott is known for his ability to mix coverages with an overwhelming pass rush. Jackson will again run all over the field like he always does. That will also tire out the defensive line and blitzers who chase him. The Buffalo Bills defense, like any team, must hope to contain the Baltimore Ravens rushing attack.
Jackson and Henry will get their yards. The key, however, will be limiting big plays and keeping Jackson in the pocket. If not, the defense may get tired and lose its first game of the year.
Main Image: Mark Konezny – USA Today Sports
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