Monday night’s massive showdown in San Francisco between the Ravens (11-3) and 49ers (11-3) will feature two teams that share the NFL’s best record, but like the College Football Playoffs, some pundits are treating John Harbaugh’s team like the Florida State Seminoles.
Baltimore is a 5.5-point underdog, and some pundits don’t believe the matchup will be close.
With the final preparation for Monday night underway, we’re looking at some Friday morning Ravens news, including a deep dive into Lamar Jackson’s ability to dominate and dismantle opposing teams inside or outside the pocket.
Lamar Jackson dismantling teams
Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire, and Greg Cosell of NFL Films took a deep dive into Jackson’s maturation as a pocket passer who now only runs to help extend the play.
“The first thing when [Lamar Jackson] extends plays when you’re throwing is your eyes go to the skill guys that are down the field in terms of their scramble rules and how far we’ve worked to come when you have a two-play quarterback. To me, we’re unique. We have a two-play quarterback. They have to defend the first play, and they have to defend the second play. We have to continue to work to be elite in terms of our scramble rules. Early on in the game, we did that. [On] the very first drive, we had two scramble plays that converted. Obviously, we had another one that led to a touchdown – the one to Isaiah down the field. You’ll see that throughout.
Kyle Hamilton
Both teams in this matchup are 11-3 and atop their respective conferences (AFC-NFC), but only one team is getting talked about as a Super Bowl champion before the tournament has even started.
Kyle Hamilton is not a fan of the Ravens being underdogs going into their game against the 49ers:
“The 11-3’s are not created equal right now.”
Shots fired 😂😂#RavensFlock #NFL pic.twitter.com/nfDXhPF96d
— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) December 21, 2023
Hamilton will play a key role against George Kittle, while being a key figure against Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey in the slot.
Mike Florio
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio does not think Baltimore has a shot.
“As long as their key players are healthy, the 49ers are gonna kick the s— out of everybody they face. The quest is for second place,” Florio said. “The 49ers kick the s— out of the Ravens on Monday night.
“I’m sorry. I know that’s disrespectful to the Ravens, but let’s be realistic. They’ve gotta fly across the country, on Christmas night, and the 49ers are waiting. And the 49ers are going to dismantle the Ravens. If it’s a Super Bowl preview, the Super Bowl is gonna suck.”
Mike Florio keeping it 💯
🎥 @ProFootballTalk pic.twitter.com/m5no40r3AE
— 49erscast (@49erscast1) December 22, 2023
