Albert Breer on Patriots vs. Ravens: If Ravens are Going to win it has to be With Lamar Jackson as a Passer
The 8-0 Patriots travel to Baltimore to face the 5-2 Ravens in an epic battle in the AFC. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer tells Jim Cramer the key to the Ravens success.
Can The Patriots Slow Down Lamar Jackson?
In his second year in the NFL, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has developed into one of the best players in fantasy football. He leads all passers with a 28.9 fantasy point per game average and sits behind just DeShaun Watson and Russell Wilson for most points, both of which have yet to have a bye.
Jackson's do it all playmaking skills have translated into more than just fantasy success as the Ravens now have a 5-2 record and sit on top of the AFC North. Baltimore's first round pick from a year ago leads all quarterbacks with 576 rushing yards. But it's that rushing ability Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer says Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will look to stifle in Week 9. Breer told Jim Cramer part of Belichick's genius is the ability to take away the opponent's strength and when it comes to Jackson, that's undoubtedly his rushing ability.
If the Ravens stand a chance to be the first team to take down the Patriots this season, it will have to be from Jackson's passing ability. Problem is, New England's defense has been on an absolute tear, posting historical numbers across the board. They lead the NFL with 19 interceptions and 31 sacks and have allowed just 61 points all season (the next best team has allowed 102). Heading into this Week 9 battle, Baltimore gets back electric rookie wide receiver Marquise Brown who has been sidelined since Week 5 with an ankle injury. With Brown's speed and the reliability of tight end Mark Andrews (on Cramer's fantasy team) the Ravens certainly have the weapons on Offense to help Jackson in the passing attack.
Most of New England's critics point to their opponent's lack of success. There is some truth to that sentiment as the Ravens are their first opponent with a winning record. I was joined by Patriots Maven Devon Clements and Ravens Maven Todd Karpovich and asked them to dive deep into this match-up.
Will the ferociousness of the Patriots defense that has drained the life out of all previous opponents have the same success against a Jackson led dynamic offense? We'll all find out during their Primetime match-up on Sunday Night Football.
