AFC Game Of The Week
Los Angeles Chargers at Baltimore Ravens
Chargers: This is a battle tested group. No disrespect to Anthony Lynn, but if he’s coaching in that game on Sunday, they come away with a loss and there’s no question about it. With Brandon Staley at the helm now, the team really is buying into what he’s been selling. I always say new head coaches are similar to salesmen and in turn, it’s up to the players if they want to buy in and they have. The Chargers are 4-1 and in first place in the AFC West over the team who’s dominated the division for some years in the Kansas City Chiefs. What’s been the difference you ask? Remember last season how they would remain in close games and always end up on the losing side of things? More than a year later, not only are they hanging around in the close battles, but they’re also winning them. It’s time to start mentioning Justin Herbert as a possible MVP candidate. This kid is picking up where he left off a season ago in which he was awarded Offensive Rookie of the Year. There’s no shortage of confidence in him. He’s calm and never seems phased. When Brandon was hired, I was mostly excited for this defense. I saw him do wonders with the Rams as their defensive coordinator and he’s already making his mark with the Chargers. I was high on the Chargers coming into the season and they continue to impress me. Sometimes, that coaching change is needed and look how they’ve benefitted from it. They return to the east coast once again.
Ravens: They’re 4-1 and that’s good and all when you look at the record. When I was on “The Prime” with T.J. Hopkins and David Huffman, I referred to them as a “shaky 4-1” because a few of their wins haven’t necessarily been convincing. They came back on Kansas City in week two after being down by 11 points at one time in the game, I saw them struggle against the Detroit Lions and they’d be on the upset side of things if Justin Tucker and his golden foot don’t come through for them and even against the Colts on Monday night, they couldn’t get into a rhythm until later in the second half. Their most complete win came against the Denver Broncos in week four. Now, let’s talk about the quarterback. Is Lamar Jackson not a quarterback to some of you? If week five didn’t show you that he’s more than capable of throwing the football. Lamar completed 37 of his 43 pass attempts and threw for 442 yards which is a career high. Not bad for a running back, right? The offense has come together, I can say that much. When you think of Ravens football, defense comes to mind first and foremost. They’ve been good on some occasions, but not consistent enough for me and this has to do with the lingering issues to their secondary. Late in games, you notice how much the presence of Marcus Peters is missed. He’s their best cover corner and it’s tough replacing a guy of his caliber. They’re home again on Sunday for a huge game.
Chargers X-Factor: Jalen Guyton– He brings the speed asset to this offense. This is the third option for Herbert. Jalen usually plays in the slot, but has no problem going over the top. Slot guys come to an offense with the ability to do more than run the inside routes. I’ve always said they were amongst the toughest players to defend as a defense because they do so many different things.
Ravens X-Factor: Latavius Murray- The Ravens couldn’t get the running game going as they wanted to last week against the Colts. I have a feeling that changes in this game. The Chargers allow 157 yards rushing per game. I’m attacking that each chance I get. Latavius is a veteran running back who knows his role in any offense. I’m establishing the run as soon as I can. That’s the Ravens bread and butter which is running the ball and playing good defense.
Final Thoughts: What a game this should be. Both teams are 4-1 and in first place in their divisions. At one time, I thought this would get flexed into the Primetime slot. This is the first meeting between Justin Herbert and Lamar Jackson. I’m expecting the ball to fly all over the field in this game. The Ravens must dial up that pass rush and hit Justin early on. Baltimore has also struggled to get off the field on third down and that will be a challenge with this offense coming to town. I expect the Chargers to try and keep the Ravens off balance with attempting to run the football, but we know their strength is throwing the ball down the field. Two young quarterbacks, two first place teams, what more could you ask for?
Prediction: Chargers 33, Ravens 31
