Last Updated: November 03, 2023, 03:30 IST
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Lamar Jackson put his palms up subsequent to his head as if he would possibly cowl his ears. He was being requested about one of many extra exceptional stats in his spectacular profession — a 17-1 document towards NFC groups as a starter.
Lamar Jackson put his palms up subsequent to his head as if he would possibly cowl his ears. He was being requested about one of many extra exceptional stats in his spectacular profession — a 17-1 document towards NFC groups as a starter.
“I don’t even want to put that in my head or let you finish that question,” Jackson mentioned with a smile.
Maybe there’s one thing to the concept Jackson has an edge towards groups that don’t face him as typically, however he insists not. Perhaps his document towards the opposite convention is only a statistical quirk. Whatever the case, he’ll have an opportunity to enhance that mark towards the NFC when the Baltimore Ravens host the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
“I hope it’s 18-1 after this one. I’ll say that,” mentioned Jackson, who led Baltimore to a 30-16 victory at Seattle in 2019.
Not solely have the Ravens been glorious towards the NFC with Jackson at quarterback, however they’re 18-5 of their franchise historical past at residence towards groups from the Pacific time zone. But touring east hasn’t been a lot of an issue for the Seahawks of late. They are 16-5 — together with playoffs — within the Eastern time zone since 2018.
So one thing has to provide on this matchup between AFC North-leading Baltimore (6-2), which has gained three straight, and NFC West-leading Seattle (5-2), which has gained 5 of six.
“Here we go again, preparing to head to the east with a big matchup. I’m so impressed with this team that we’re playing,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll mentioned. “They’re just so well-rounded and they’re good in all phases. They make you realize what it’s like to play in a championship matchup. That’s what you expect the teams to be like and they got it.”
NEW FACE
Seattle expects new defensive lineman Leonard Williams to be on the sphere Sunday, only a few days after buying him from the New York Giants. Seattle’s defensive entrance was already enjoying effectively, however Jarran Reed, Dre’Mont Jones and Mario Edwards Jr. have been enjoying a variety of snaps early within the season. Adding Williams offers Seattle a flexible participant who can contribute in a number of spots on the defensive entrance.
“I’ve been playing D-line for a long time and there’s not going to be too much of a difference here. I’m willing to play wherever they want me to play. I think I’m a pretty versatile player,” Williams mentioned.
TOUGH D
Baltimore’s protection can beat opponents in a variety of methods. The Ravens have an NFL-excessive 31 sacks, and All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith is a significant factor within the center. The secondary has proven its depth up to now, with security Geno Stone main the league with 5 interceptions.
LUCKY 13?
The basis of Seattle’s working sport is the younger combo of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. The pair had 13 rushes for 109 yards final week towards Cleveland, and the Seahawks acknowledged they should give their working backs extra makes an attempt.
Seattle completed with 17 complete speeding makes an attempt towards the Browns, and beating Cleveland with that few was a significant outlier for the Seahawks. Since 2010 when Carroll arrived, the Seahawks are simply 4-14 in common-season video games with 17 or fewer speeding makes an attempt.
PROGRESS
Rookie Zay Flowers has been Baltimore’s prime risk at huge receiver. The different gamers on the place have been inconsistent, however third-yr receiver Rashod Bateman has made some vital contributions recently, together with a 29-yard catch and an 18-yard run in final weekend’s win over Arizona.
“If he starts popping and making plays and catch-and-run types of things that he does, that’s going to be something that’s just going to be a real problem for defenses,” coach John Harbaugh mentioned. “You probably can go right down the line with every guy, and the more we get those guys involved — it’s not going to be every player, every game — but the more we can get them showing up in games, it’s just going to make everybody better.”
STICKING AROUND
This matchup options two of the longest-tenured coaches within the NFL. Harbaugh has been in control of the Ravens since 2008; Carroll arrived in Seattle in 2010. They are two of 5 coaches who’ve been with their present groups for not less than a decade.
“John has been a rock because he’s a great football coach,” Carroll mentioned. “The whole family can coach. His dad was a great coach and Jim (Harbaugh) is a great coach and the whole group can go.”
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(This story has not been edited by News18 workers and is printed from a syndicated information company feed – Associated Press)