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(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings’ defense will have its hands full in Week 10 when it faces Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson on November 9 at U.S. Bank Stadium.
After limiting the Detroit Lions‘ offense to 24 points in Week 9, they’ll face a Ravens team that has won back-to-back games. Moreover, Jackson is coming off a four-touchdown performance while completing 18 of 23 passes for 204 passing yards against the Miami Dolphins.
Despite being 3-5, Baltimore appears to be building momentum with its win streak and has a chance to put itself back in the conversation to win a wide-open AFC North. Although the Pittsburgh Steelers are 5-3, they have shown they can slip up, even with having the division lead.
Speaking to the media on November 5, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell discussed the challenges that come with facing Jackson and Co.
“Lamar, he’s just such a weapon now on schedule when he’s clean in the pocket, he’s throwing in rhythm,” O’Connell said. “... To me, it’s about disruption and getting him off the spot. The player that gets him off the spot is more than likely not going to always make the play.
“Who’s the next guy there? Was there discipline in making sure you corral and keep him in the area you have to because he can change a game? Even if you’ve done it for 70 plays and you’re in the fourth quarter, he can do it in a got-to-have-it moment and win the football game. It’s going to be a challenge. That’s what makes the Ravens so difficult.”
Vikings Will Face a New Face on Ravens Defense
On NFL deadline day, the Ravens made a move to bolster their defense, acquiring outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a fifth-round pick. The seven-year veteran is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career, recording 4.5 sacks and nine quarterback hits in nine games.
With this addition, the Ravens add a proven pass rusher who will look to make an immediate impact against the Vikings and pressure J.J. McCarthy early and often. As a result, the Minnesota offensive line will have its work cut out to protect the young quarterback.
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Still Has Doubters
McCarthy went 14-for-25 passing for 143 yards, tossing two touchdowns and one interception, and added a rushing score in the Vikings’ 27-24 win over the Lions.
Even with that showing, one sports talk host remains unconvinced about the second-year quarterback. During the November 3 episode of “The Herd,“ Colin Cowherd offered a pointed take on how he views the Minnesota signal-caller.
“He’s like the UPS driver,“ Cowherd said about McCarthy. “I don’t know who he is, but they always deliver on time. The package has never screwed up. I love the delivery system. I don’t know if the UPS driver is any good. Seems like a nice guy. So it just felt a lot like the Michigan J.J. McCarthy, which is I love the coach at Michigan and the tight end and the defense. And that’s what I felt [against the Lions]. It was fine. He was good on script, but it’s not a script league.”
Eduardo Razo Eduardo Razo is a sports journalist covering the NFL for Heavy.com. He previously covered the league for NBC Sports Washington and NBC Sports Bay Area & California, and has contributed as a freelance writer for The Sporting News. He also served as an editor for Athlon Sports and Heavy Sports focusing on MLB and the NFL. More about Eduardo Razo
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